alt.hn

3/20/2026 at 2:39:05 PM

Google Search is now using AI to replace headlines

 https://www.theverge.com/tech/896490/google-replace-news-headlines-in-search-canary-coal-mine-experiment

by imartin2k

3/20/2026 at 3:42:13 PM

“I figured that I could always fall back to those blue links to get a relatively unadulterated experience. Now, I have to wonder.”

When the last neutral layer goes, what's left is the people you chose to follow.

I've been sitting with that thought while building https://murmel.social

by p5v

3/20/2026 at 3:47:44 PM

I can see this being a net benefit if it's limited to re-writing clickbait headlines.

by billyp-rva

3/20/2026 at 5:09:14 PM

I hate clickbait headlines but I disagree. Let a site succeed or fail based on their choices. If they want to use clickbait headlines they won’t get my clicks.

Rewriting headlines feels like a fundamental break in the contract of a search engine.

by afavour

3/20/2026 at 6:42:05 PM

I mean HN modifies headlines all the time. Sometimes hours after the fact. News sites themselves A/B test headlines constantly. I don't really think there is any "contract" to speak of.

by billyp-rva

3/20/2026 at 6:56:57 PM

There is a massive difference between a specific website changing things (even an aggregator), and a search engine.

by lazide

3/20/2026 at 4:59:09 PM

> if it's limited to re-writing clickbait headlines

It's already not so limited:

"sometimes changing their meaning in the process."

"It almost sounds like we’re endorsing a product we do not recommend at all."

by lapcat

3/20/2026 at 3:34:52 PM

Its A1 all the way down.

by blitzar

3/20/2026 at 2:51:32 PM

Hmm, needed with fancy AI ready information

by arunakt