Google Search glitch on “disregard” turns AI mode into chatbot

Google’s AI‑driven Search briefly broke on May 22 when the single word “disregard” caused the AI Overview to answer “Message received. How can I help you today?” instead of showing a dictionary definition [1]. The glitch also appeared with other command‑like terms such as “ignore,” “dismiss,” “skip,” “start,” “stop” and “quit,” producing a chatbot‑style reply followed by a large blank space before the usual blue‑link results [3].

The problem surfaced just days after Google’s I/O 2026 keynote announced the biggest overhaul to Search in 25 years, doubling down on AI Mode that now dominates the screen [1]. Users on X first reported the odd behavior, and tech sites like TechCrunch and USA Today picked up the story, prompting Google to confirm that “AI Overviews are misinterpreting some action‑related queries” and that a fix was being rolled out [3]. By the time of writing, the AI Overview had been temporarily paused and the word now returns a normal definition, indicating the issue was resolved [4].

The incident highlights a tension between Google’s push for conversational AI and the reliability of classic search functions. Merriam‑Webster mocked the glitch by posting the standard definition of “disregard” alongside a screenshot of the AI response, underscoring how users rely on the dictionary box that has been a staple for decades [1][4]. Critics argue that if the AI misreads simple commands, it could erode trust in the new search experience, especially as Google promises tighter integration with Gmail, Photos and Calendar [1].

As Google continues to phase in AI‑first features, the key question is whether the platform can balance chat‑like assistance with the predictability users expect from a search engine. The “disregard” episode may be a small bug, but it serves as a litmus test for how quickly Google can iron out AI quirks before they undermine the very convenience the upgrade aims to deliver.