In a surprising and somewhat embarrassing incident, the latest version of Google Search, known as Google SGE (Search Generative Experience), has been issuing some rather bizarre advice. A user seeking quick remedies for kidney stones received a suggestion that sounds like it came straight out of a sci-fi book: drinking several gallons of one’s own urine daily. Indeed, you read that correctly.
The peculiar advice was first highlighted by a post on X from @dril, revealing the shocking recommendation. His post “Perfect, Redy to Go. Ship it out” was met with a flurry of critical responses that Google found less than favorable.
Tech expert Mic King remarked, “With all due respect, this is not a good product,” while another commenter lamented the misuse of decades of data science and computer organization for what they called AI marketing and quick, dubious profits.
Another user expressed frustration, saying, “I know I for one, when I am googling for answers, want randomly generated legal and medical advice. Finance ghouls who run the tech industry have bought up everything useful and replacing the internet’s usefulness as the world’s greatest library with a magic eight ball.”
Further tests by multiple users confirmed that the search engine was indeed returning similar results.
Despite previous controversies, this latest blunder by the SGE team is particularly notable. However, Google has since updated the response to this query and now offers a different answer.
For those interested in factual advice on dealing with kidney stones, here it is: increase your water intake to 2-3 liters daily, particularly in warm climates or after intense physical activity. Adjust your diet by reducing salt and vitamin C supplements, controlling potential infections, and managing any obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular issues. For persistent problems, consider urological treatments such as lithotripsy or endoscopic surgery.