Google Gemini tests break reminders to discourage AI dependence and emotional attachments

Love Gemini? Google doesn't want you to get too attached

This may be due to the effort to prevent AI dependence or emotional bonds. AI has become increasingly useful for helping us offload gruntwork and some of the thinking we would typically do ourselves. While this is expected to increase productivity, at least from an industrial standpoint, researchers have also cautioned against addictive AI usage patterns, especially in young adults. To fend this off, AI companies are working on measures to dissuade users from using chatbots obsessively, and Google may be adding its warnings to Gemini. Gemini may soon remind you to take a break when you've been talking to it for a long time, and we've spotted signs on its Android interface. With version 17.3.59 beta of the Google app (of which Gemini is a part), Google is testing means to nudge you to take a break when you have been interacting with the chatbot for some time. This nudge will be represented by a pop-up warning, similar to the one below: In the messaging, Google stresses that users are talking to an "AI that isn't human," reinforcing that you aren't talking to a "sentient" being, even if it sounds like one. It's especially necessary as Gemini gets equipped to answer more personal questions by pulling information from multiple Google apps and services. This is likely in efforts to prevent users from anthropomorphizing AI or forming emotional bonds, which, in the recent past, has led to unfortunate events, such as a teenager taking their own life after talking to another AI chatbot. The current implementation does not specify the exact time after which Gemini could nudge to take a break. It's possible that Google could allow users to set the frequency themselves, as it does with the similar "Take a break" reminder in YouTube. However, that would also mean the alerts are not on by default and must be toggled by the user or a parent for a teen's account. We hope to know more details when the feature is closer to release. It's currently unavailable to users, and we'll inform you when it rolls out.

Google Gemini may soon remind you to 'Try a short break'

Chethan is a reporter at Android Police, focusing on the weekend news coverage for the site. He has covered tech for over a decade with multiple publications, including the likes of Times Internet, Guiding Tech, and Android Headlines, to name a few. Chethan's love for Android dates back to the days of the Samsung/Google Nexus S, with his first Android phone being the HTC Desire HD back in 2010. Away from work, he's on the lookout for live cricket streams or NBA highlights. He also enjoys the occasional hour or two of console/mobile gaming whenever time permits. Whether it's generating short videos or analyzing your spreadsheets, Google Gemini can handle pretty much everything you throw at it. This also means that users are increasingly relying on Gemini for everyday tasks, building a sort of dependence on the chatbot. It appears that Google is aware that excessive use of chatbots isn't healthy, and is already working on a new feature to help curb this dependence to some extent. Looking into version 17.3.59 (beta) of the Google app, Android Authority activated a new prompt that encourages users to "Try a short break." The description explains how "it can be helpful to take breaks when you're talking to an AI assistant that isn't human," preceded by "you've been chatting with Gemini for a while." That's a pretty strong message to remind users to hit pause on that long Gemini conversation. Such reminders already exist for YouTube, with the platform adding a daily timer functionality for YouTube Shorts content last year. A great tool to limit your Gemini use Unfortunately, Android Authority was unable to determine exactly when (or how) this feature would be activated. As the publication points out, a timer could be implemented to trigger the Try a short break prompt on the screen, which, in turn, would mean it may not be activated by default. Additional information about Google Gemini's implementation of this functionality should be available in subsequent updates of the Google app. Given the limited information available at the moment, we suspect Try a short break may not be ready for prime time just yet. In any case, it's clear that Google recognizes the harms of excessive AI use and is prepared to remind users about them. According to an MIT Media Lab study from last year, prolonged use of chatbots can affect your mental well-being, depending on how they're used. It's important to note that OpenAI's ChatGPT already offers a "Just checking in" prompt when you've been using the chatbot for a while. However, there's no user-controllable element, as ChatGPT determines when you've been using it for a long time and reminds you to take a breather. Subscribe to the newsletter for Gemini feature coverage Want clear context on Gemini's 'Try a short break' and similar AI safeguards? Subscribe to our newsletter for focused coverage and plain explanations of these features, how they work, and what they mean for users. Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime. Although most users today are aware of AI chatbots' ability to provide inaccurate info, more specific and direct reminders to people who use chatbots for extended periods can only be a good thing. We hope that Gemini lets users determine when to activate these reminders, rather than having them appear randomly when you least expect them. Would you find a feature like this useful to limit your Gemini use?

Google Might Soon Remind You to Take Breaks While Talking to Gemini

The duration at which break reminders will be shown is not clear Google is reportedly working on a new wellness feature for Gemini. As per the report, the Mountain View-based tech giant is testing short break reminders that will be shown to users when they have been chatting with the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot for a while. The mindfulness alert was reportedly spotted in the latest beta version of the Google app, and the message states that users should not think Gemini is human. It is unclear if and when this alert might be released to users widely. Google Reportedly Testing Short Break Reminders in Gemini According to an Android Authority report, Google is testing reminders on Gemini to alert users that they have been using the app for a long time. The feature was uncovered during an Android application package (APK) teardown of the Google app beta version 17.3.59, where the publication was able to turn on the flag to make the alert appear. Short break reminder in Gemini Photo Credit: Android Authority As per the screenshot shared by the publication, the alert appears as a pop-up box titled "Try a short break." The box also contains the message, "You've been chatting with Gemini for a while. It can be helpful to take breaks when you're talking to an AI assistant that isn't human." Notably, since it is in the testing phase, the message content may differ by the time it is rolled out to users globally. The duration at which the alert appears is also not clear. The alert highlights that Google is looking into the risks of users talking to an AI chatbot for a prolonged period of time. OpenAI is currently facing multiple lawsuits alleging that ChatGPT was responsible for users committing suicide and killing others. In each of these cases, the users were found use the AI service very frequently and for long durations. Another interesting part of the feature is the mention that AI is not a human. This likely also relates to a similar problem where users, especially teenagers, begin treating the chatbot as a friend and seek emotional support. Several academic reports have also flagged that talking to a chatbot for extensive periods or for emotional needs can result in mental health deterioration.