Google AI Overviews cites YouTube more than any medical website (www.theguardian.com)

A recent study revealed that Google’s AI search feature, AI Overviews, predominantly cites YouTube over more authoritative medical sources when answering health queries. Analyzing over 50,000 health-related searches in Germany, researchers found YouTube accounted for 4.43% of all citations, outpacing options like public health organizations and medical associations. This raises significant concerns as YouTube is a general platform where non-experts can share content, potentially leading to the dissemination of misleading health information. The findings highlight fundamental risks associated with the reliance on algorithmically driven content curation in health-related searches. With over 82% of health queries yielding AI Overviews, the results suggest that popularity can outweigh reliability in determining what information is surfaced. While Google asserts that AI Overviews prioritize reputable sources, the overwhelming presence of YouTube—where only a fraction of videos come from recognized medical authorities—signals a troubling trend. The study underscores the structural risks in AI outputs and emphasizes the necessity for healthcare information to be grounded in verified expertise, rather than just visibility.