Have you noticed a pop-up from Google about its new feature called Gemini AI? If you have, you’re not the only one. Google Gemini is being promoted as a way to improve productivity and creativity while reducing the hassle of dull everyday tasks. For instance, it can quickly summarize long documents or help you write an email to your boss.
In recent weeks, many users of Google’s Workspace Business and Enterprise accounts have encountered this AI tool. However, not everyone is excited about it. Many people have expressed their annoyance with constant pop-up messages urging them to use Gemini whenever they access Google apps like Gmail or Google Docs. One user shared their frustration on social media, feeling like the feature was as bothersome as gum stuck to their shoe. They pointed out that, at their age, they already knew how to write an email without needing extra help.
So what exactly is Google Gemini? Launched in 2023, it is an artificial intelligence chatbot developed to understand and generate text much like a human would. When you provide a prompt—like a question or request—Gemini will respond based on the information it has learned from a variety of sources, including other Google services. For example, you can ask it to help you brainstorm ideas, create images, or quickly retrieve information from your emails.
Originally called Bard, Gemini is generally free for everyday users, but there is also a paid version called Gemini Advanced that offers more detailed analysis and assistance with complex tasks.
How does Gemini work? It utilizes a type of artificial intelligence known as large language models (LLMs). These models are trained on vast amounts of text data, allowing them to summarize, translate, predict, and generate responses that resemble those of a human. Google has designed Gemini to be multimodal, meaning it can combine and process different types of information, including text, images, audio, and video. However, it’s important to note that Gemini may not always provide accurate information. Like other AI systems, it can sometimes produce incorrect responses, a phenomenon often called “hallucination,” where it confidently presents incorrect information.
Google began rolling out its AI chatbot Bard in March 2023 and later introduced Gemini upgrades to developers in December of the same year. By February 2024, it was available to the general public. Starting from January 2024, features of Gemini AI have been gradually integrated into Google Workspace plans that businesses use for collaboration and productivity.
If you find the presence of Gemini to be more annoying than helpful, you might be looking for a way to turn it off. Some users have complained they don’t know how to disable it, expressing intense frustration on social media. The process to turn off Gemini can differ based on the device you are using, but many Google Workspace users have reported needing to reach out to customer support to add a settings button that allows them to manage Gemini’s features.
Once you have access to those settings, you’ll need to disable Gemini for each app individually, such as Drive, Docs, Gmail, Google Chat, and Google Meet. Administrators in your organization can assist with turning these features on or off for all users.
For personal Gmail accounts, turning off Gemini is relatively straightforward. In the mobile app, tap the three horizontal lines at the top left corner. On the website, click the gear icon in the top right corner. Then, navigate to the settings and select your account to uncheck options like “smart compose” and “smart reply.” In Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, you can find similar options under the “tools” menu.
If you’re using the Google mobile app, go to your profile picture, then settings, and tap privacy and safety. Here, you’ll find options to manage your activity and can turn off settings related to Gemini. By following these steps, you can regain control over how and when Google AI features are used in your applications.