# Google Expands AI Summaries Automatically

Search results are buried under AI summaries.

- **Source:** [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com)
- **Published:** 2026-08-28
- **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai)
- **Original article:** <https://www.theverge.com/tech/986364/google-search-ai-overviews-auto-expand>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c8e59320-3762-44fd-a7a1-aa68ac2e1e5b

## Google Expands AI Summaries Automatically

Google has started automatically expanding AI summaries for some searches. This change pushes traditional search results further down the page. Users now see the full AI summary at the top of the page instead of clicking the 'Show more' button. This results in users needing to scroll more.

## Criteria for Expanding AI Summaries Unclear

Google has not disclosed the criteria for automatically expanding AI summaries. In test searches, summaries were often expanded. However, in some cases, only the initial part of the summary and the 'Show more' button are displayed. This inconsistency could affect user experience.

## Statement from Google

Google spokesperson Jennifer Kutz stated that AI summaries are dynamically expanded for topics users find most helpful. Kutz mentioned that this dynamic experience makes search more helpful and allows for deeper exploration.

## Impact on User Experience

The automatic expansion of AI summaries changes how users access search results. Displaying the full summary requires users to scroll more. However, Google cancels expansion if users have already started scrolling to avoid losing their reading position.

## Consistency Issues with AI Summaries

The expansion of AI summaries is not consistent across different searches and browsers. For example, even searches like 'What is the best game on Switch 2?' do not always result in expanded summaries. This inconsistency could negatively impact user experience.

## Google's AI Strategy

Google aims to improve user experience by automatically expanding AI summaries. This strategy is intended to provide users with faster and more effective access to information. However, consistency and usability issues with AI summaries could hinder this goal.

## The Future of AI Summaries

Google continues to develop AI summaries. These summaries aim to make the search experience more interactive and informative. However, more transparency is needed regarding how and when AI summaries are expanded.

## Conclusion and Importance

Google's automatic expansion of AI summaries significantly changes the search engine user experience. This change allows users to access information faster but also brings consistency and usability issues. Google's ability to address these issues will determine the success of AI summaries.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.theverge.com/tech/986364/google-search-ai-overviews-auto-expand — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
