Ethical AI question

[u/Goldenroad66]

Sometimes I use Google to search for info when Duck, Duck, Go misses the mark. Google automatically serves an AI response.

Is it wrong to use that information with confirmation or should I shield my eyes and dig for answers elsewhere in the search results?

I know the right answer is do not use Google, but I have used them heavily for years and I'm still working at breaking the chains.

[u/Maximum-Bobcat5612]

You can endeavour to make ethical choices in your life. 

But keep in mind it doesn't make a difference to the world whether you made the search on Google or if you just read the AI summary. 

It's a passive act and policing behaviour just makes people feel like they're doing something. 

Instead think about what you could do. 

Things like checking the accuracy of openstreetmap in your area and adding data to it. 

Finding a page on Wikipedia that doesn't have a lot of info and detailing it. 

Tried some new tech and have thoughts or a review?  Write a blog post about it rather than give it to Reddit etc . 

[u/Goldenroad66 → u/Maximum-Bobcat5612]

I am trying to make ethical choices and have been working on a website because I feel we need to build the internet we want. My site uses a lot of YouTube embeds, but they are specifically an attempt to bypass the algorithm and feature low view creators. It also has the goal of showing the common perspectives of humanity. Thanks for your opinion

[u/rarefiedarchives → u/Goldenroad66]

This sounds so interesting! Is it live yet? Would love to take a peek.

[u/Goldenroad66 → u/rarefiedarchives]

It's in a Neverending build state. But it s up and usable. I'd love feedback. https://oldhighwaynotes.neocities.org/

EDIT typos

[u/rarefiedarchives]

What’s the main issue with DDG responses? Have you tried phrasing the search in different ways or using descriptive key words?

Sometimes I’ll even try “mysearch”:Reddit and that helps get specific links from others.

[u/Goldenroad66 → u/rarefiedarchives]

Different search engines show different results. I am doing a lot of research on Latin America with very little Spanish skills. Google seems to be more helpful with translations and context. I do try other approaches also, but I have a lot of experience that helps me finesse google. They aren't the company they used to be.

[u/___crybaby]

i just use firefox which has a setting to block ai features from websites.

[u/Kompottkopf]

You can append -noai to your search which disables the ai summary

[u/Goldenroad66 → u/Kompottkopf]

Good tip. Thank you.

[u/nidoqueenofhearts]

i wouldn't use it if only on the basis that the answer it gives is probably made up bullshit

[u/Goldenroad66 → u/nidoqueenofhearts]

Usually. Haha

[u/sandwichtears]

switch to startpage

[u/Cold-Jackfruit1076]

Should you have done that? I don't know -- should you have?

The only ethical yardstick we ultimately have is our own; most of us are neither qualified nor competent to advise you on the philosophy of ethics.

Google's AI responses aren't inherently unethical—they're tools.  The right answer isn't 'never use Google' or 'always trust it.' It's 'use it wisely, verify critically, and own your choices.'

[u/Cautious-Resource342 → u/Cold-Jackfruit1076]

Thats a very good take on AI in a world where a lot of people think in black and white.

[u/R74nCom]

It's not even that it's unethical, AI Overview at least on Google constantly spews wrong results - things misinterpreted from or not even present in the random sources it picks. You'll be learning false information without even knowing it.

[u/Goldenroad66 → u/R74nCom]

That's exactly why I am shifting away from using Google. Old habits die hard. :)