I never wanted to believe the stories. You know, the ones whispered in the deep corners of the internet—about how AI was watching, listening, predicting every move. I told myself it was paranoia, but then something happened.
Something that sent a chill creeping up my spine like a spider on a midnight prowl.
It started with Google Search.
I typed in something innocent, something routine. Maybe it was about fixing a broken faucet or checking the weather. But before I could even finish, Google’s AI Overview had already spit out an answer. It wasn’t just an answer—it was like it had plucked the words from my mind before I’d even thought them.
That was the moment I knew. I had to turn it off.
And so began the descent.
Step 1: Open Google Search Settings
First, I navigated to Google’s Search Settings. The page looked normal—too normal. But I knew better. I could feel the presence of the AI, lurking beneath the surface, waiting for me to make my move.
Step 2: Locate the “AI Overview” Setting
I scrolled down, fingers tense. There it was—Search Features. A small, unassuming section, easy to miss. If you weren’t looking for it, you’d pass right by, never knowing that it was the gateway to something… unnatural.
Step 3: Disable AI Overview
And then I saw it. AI Overview: Enabled.
I hovered over the switch, pulse drumming in my ears. It was almost too easy. But as I clicked it off, I swear—just for a second—the screen flickered. A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of thing, like a dying lightbulb gasping its last breath.
Step 4: Save the Changes
At the bottom of the page, there was the “Save” button. My cursor hesitated. Would it really let me go? Would it allow me to escape its clutches so easily? I pressed it, holding my breath.
The screen refreshed.
Step 5: Confirm the Change
I opened a new tab and searched again. This time, no AI Overview. Just old-fashioned blue links, like the internet used to be.
I leaned back, exhaling. It was done. Or so I thought.
Because later that night, as I shut down my computer and glanced at my phone, a new notification appeared.
“We noticed you’ve made changes to your search settings. Want to experience a smarter way to search?”
A chill ran down my spine. Because the AI wasn’t just off. It was waiting. Watching. And sooner or later, it would find a way back in.
Source: Read MoreÂ
