When we feel a mysterious ache or an unexplained itch, most of us turn to the internet before calling a clinic. Understanding this habit, Google introduced a feature called “What People Suggest.” The goal was to use artificial intelligence to organize perspectives from online discussions, helping users find “lived experiences” from others with similar conditions. However, the experiment has come to an abrupt end. According to a report from The Guardian, Google has quietly retired the “What People Suggest” tool.
When functional, the feature pulled health tips and anecdotes from forums and social media. While it aimed to be helpful, it essentially treated platforms like Reddit as a primary source for medical guidance. This move sparked significant debate among health experts.
Google removed “What People Suggest” AI health tool that used Reddit users as source
The “What People Suggest” tool was designed to simplify the search for peer support. For instance, a person with arthritis could see a summary of how others managed their exercise routines. While hearing from people with similar health journeys is valuable, the problem lies in the delivery. The system used AI to summarize these “amateur” tips at the top of the search results. So, the information often appeared more authoritative than a casual forum post.
Critics said that AI often has trouble with vital context. Age, medical history, and specific symptoms can all affect how useful health advice is. Some suggestions might work for one person but not for another, and previous investigations highlighted some cases of Google’s AI giving out wrong or risky information.
Simplification or safety?
In response to the feature’s disappearance, a Google spokesperson stated that the move was part of a “broader simplification” of the search results page. The company maintains that the decision had nothing to do with the quality or safety of the tool. Instead, they labeled it as a routine update to keep the search experience clean and efficient.
However, the timing is hard to ignore. Google has faced mounting pressure over its “AI Overviews,” which have been scrutinized for giving incorrect medical advice in the past. Just months ago, the company restricted AI responses for some specific health queries—such as liver test results—after findings showed they were sometimes inaccurate.
Navigating your health search
For those who valued the personal touch of hearing from others, the information isn’t gone. The main change is that Google’s AI algorithm no longer packages it for you. You can still find forum discussions and personal stories in your search results, but you will have to click through and evaluate the sources yourself.
It’s noteworthy that Google is currently holding its “The Check Up” event. This is a healthcare-focused conference, so the company is actively pushing into this space with new AI research and partnerships.
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