Digital mishap: Google search AI suggested drinking urine to pass kidney stones

Google Search’s latest AI upgrade, Google Search Generative Experience (SGE), recently recommended drinking urine to eliminate kidney stones. 

On May 5, 2024, an X user with the handle @dril shared a screenshot of the alleged AI mishap:

AI overviews compile information from the top search results to provide answers faster than ever. 

However, this example told a Google user to drink two liters of urine every 24 hours to alleviate kidney blockages. 

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The screenshot gained over 1.6 million views and 2,604 reposts at the time of writing. In response, many X users shared their dismay for Google Search AI.

Tech genius Mic King said, “With all due respect, this is not a good product.”

“Half a century of building the entire discipline of data science and computer organization and we’re going to set it all on fire for AI marketing and short-term scam profits,” posted X user zillawatcher1.

“I know I for one, when I am googling for answers, want randomly generated legal and medical advice,” wrote social media user Terra Torment. 

“Finance ghouls who run the tech industry have bought up everything useful and replaced the internet’s usefulness as the world’s greatest library with a magic eight ball.” 

The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking 1.8 to 3.6 liters of water daily to pass kidney stones.