“Hey Google, write my essay.”
If that line made your eyebrows shoot up, you’re not alone.
Google’s new AI Mode, launched in May 2025, is changing how we use search engines.
AI Mode offers a more conversational and interactive search experience, moving beyond traditional lists of links to provide detailed, chatbot-style answers.
It sounds handy, sure, but it also sparks some big questions for parents: Will this change how kids do homework? Will screen time increase? And what happens to their critical thinking skills?
Let’s break down what AI Mode is, how it works, and what parents should know.
What is AI Mode?
AI Mode is a new way to search using Google. It uses advanced artificial intelligence to give full, conversational answers to your questions.
Think of it like having a chatbot inside Google Search. Instead of showing websites, it explains things in a clear, easy-to-read paragraph. You can even ask follow-up questions without starting a new search.
AI Mode is designed to go deeper and handle more complex questions such as writing help, math breakdowns, or research topics.
When Did AI Mode Launch?
Google started rolling out AI Mode to users in the U.S. in May 2025. Some may see it already, while others may notice it appearing gradually over time.
There’s no need to sign up or join a waitlist. If you see it, it’s ready to use.
How Is It Different from Regular Google?
Traditional Google search gives you a list of links. You click one of those links, dig in, and hope for the best.
AI Mode skips the typical step of clicking through search results. Instead, it uses a technique called “query fan-out.” This means that when you type a question, Google doesn’t just run one search behind the scenes — it runs many. It breaks your question into smaller parts or related sub-questions, then sends those out as separate searches to gather a broader range of information from different sources.
Once that information comes back, Google’s Gemini AI model analyzes and summarizes the results. The AI then stitches together a single, full answer that feels more complete. These often include images, bullet points, or charts.
The goal of AI Mode is to give users what they’re looking for right away, without needing to visit other websites. While links to sources are still included, clicking through to them becomes optional instead of necessary.
It’s fast and convenient, but for kids especially, it can lead to relying on a single answer and assuming the AI is always right without checking other sources.
How to Use AI Mode
Google’s AI Mode is now a standard feature for users in the U.S., and you no longer need to opt in through Search Labs to access it.
To use AI Mode, simply go to Google.com or open the Google app while signed into your personal account. This feature doesn’t work for Workspace accounts at the moment.
At the top of the search results page, you’ll see a new “AI Mode” tab, positioned to the left of the usual “All” tab.
- Enter your query in the search bar as you normally would.
- Click or tap the “AI Mode” tab to switch from traditional search to the AI-powered experience.
- In AI Mode, you can ask complex, multi-part, or follow-up questions in a conversational, chat-like interface.
- You can continue the conversation by asking follow-up questions, allowing the AI to refine and deepen its responses based on your needs.
- If you want to return to regular search results, simply switch back to the “All” tab at the top of the page.
AI Mode is designed for more advanced reasoning and personalized, detailed answers. It will continue to evolve as Google introduces new features and capabilities.
How to Turn Off AI Mode
Currently, AI Mode is an optional feature that users can choose to engage with. If you prefer the traditional search experience, simply avoid selecting the “AI Mode” tab or icon. Google has not provided a setting to disable AI Mode entirely.
What Parents Should Watch For
AI Mode can be a helpful tool, but it isn’t a substitute for real learning. When kids use it to look up information, they’re not just interacting with a smarter search engine. They’re engaging with a system that can subtly shape how they learn, think, and even how much effort they put into schoolwork.
As parents, it’s important to guide our kids through this shift and keep a close eye on how they’re using these new tools. Here are a few key things to watch for:
Copy-Paste Temptation
The AI’s responses are often polished and ready to go, which makes them very easy to copy and hand in as-is. That can lead to issues with plagiarism or missed learning opportunities.
Talk with your kids about academic honesty and the importance of using AI as a starting point, not a shortcut. Help them understand that it’s okay to get help, but the real growth comes from doing the thinking themselves.
Passive Learning
AI Mode gives kids the answer right away, which is great for efficiency but not always for engagement. When everything is handed to them, they may stop asking follow-up questions or doing deeper reading. Encourage your kids to stay curious. Remind them that real research involves digging through multiple sources, comparing perspectives, and drawing their own conclusions.
Critical Thinking
AI isn’t perfect. It can summarize things incorrectly or miss important context. Make sure your child knows that just because something sounds smart doesn’t mean it’s automatically true. Teach them to fact-check by clicking through sources, consulting books or teachers, or asking follow-up questions on their own.
Privacy Reminders
Because AI Mode feels like a conversation, kids may feel more comfortable typing in sensitive or personal information. Let them know that even AI tools have privacy limits. It’s never a good idea to share names, passwords, school details, or other private info — even if it seems like they’re just “talking to Google.”
Let’s Talk About It
AI Mode is a powerful tool. Used well, it can help your child understand big ideas and learn faster. But like any shortcut, it comes with risks.
Think of it as a calculator — it helps, but only after you know the basics. As parents, we need to make sure kids are learning, not just getting answers.
Have you seen AI Mode in action? Are your kids using it already?
Leave a comment or question below. We’d love to hear how your family is handling this new kind of search.
Author Jackie Baucom
Jackie is a Gabb staff writer. She is the mother of four children and is passionate about keeping kids safe, happy, loved, and thriving. She has a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Utah.
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