Google Search Goes Agentic—and Doesn’t Need You Anymore

Google Introduces Agentic AI Features in Search

Google has launched new agentic AI features in its Search platform, transforming how users interact with search results. These features allow AI agents to take actions on behalf of users, such as clicking on websites or calling stores, and then return the results to the user. This marks a significant shift from traditional search, where users simply type queries and receive static results.

AI Mode and Agentic Overviews

Google’s AI Mode in Search, introduced in May 2025, provides AI Overviews that summarize information from multiple sources. Since its launch, there has been a profound shift in how people use Google Search, with users increasingly relying on AI-driven content rather than traditional keyword-based searches.

Agentic Shopping and Commerce

Google is testing new agentic AI shopping tools ahead of the holiday season, enabling US shoppers to buy items from platforms like Etsy and Wayfair directly through AI Mode in Search and the Gemini app. This integration demonstrates Google’s move toward AI-driven commerce, where AI agents facilitate real-world transactions.

How to Control AI Features in Google Search

• Add ‘-ai’ to your search query: Users can reduce AI Overviews by appending “-ai” to the end of their search queries. This simple trick helps users avoid AI-generated content when they prefer traditional search results.
• No official toggle to disable AI features: As of now, there is no official way to disable AI features completely, though the “-ai” trick offers a practical workaround.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite the advancements, some critics argue that Google’s agentic updates are underwhelming. Concerns include the overreliance on ads and the potential for AI-generated content to mislead users. Additionally, users may find that search results vary significantly depending on when they perform the search, due to real-time content updates from the web.

Google continues to expand its agentic AI features globally, aiming to provide a more personalized, automated, and intelligent search experience. However, the full implications of these changes on user privacy, accuracy, and digital ecosystems remain to be seen.

來源：https://www.wired.com/story/google-search-goes-agentic-and-doesnt-need-you-anymore/