Remember the website “Let Me Google That For You”? Back in the 2010s, it became a viral sensation for its cheeky way of calling out those who asked easily searchable questions. Now, in 2025, a similar sentiment is emerging, but with a modern twist: the rising trend of responding to questions with AI-generated output is increasingly viewed as rude, and it’s worth examining why.
The Evolution of Impatience: From Google to AI
The original “Let Me Google That For You” site captured a frustration many felt – the feeling of being asked questions that could be answered with a simple online search. The website served as a humorous, albeit pointed, reminder of the vast resources available at our fingertips. Now, with the proliferation of powerful AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude, a new dynamic has emerged. Simply pointing someone towards a Google search has evolved into sharing AI-generated answers.
While a little playful impatience might be acceptable in certain online interactions, responding with AI output, especially in more personal or professional settings, communicates a lack of respect for the person asking the question.
Why AI Responses Feel Dismissive
If someone poses a question, particularly in a personal or professional context, it’s usually because they’re seeking more than just a general answer. They’re often looking for your specific insights, experience, or perspective. Responding with AI output ignores this fundamental human connection and effectively dismisses the value of your knowledge. The internet exists, after all, to facilitate human interaction and benefit from each other’s expertise. Simply providing a machine-generated answer sidesteps this valuable exchange.
The Risk of Misinformation
Beyond the issue of politeness, there’s a more serious concern: the potential for spreading inaccurate information. AI models, despite their impressive capabilities, are not infallible. They still make mistakes, sometimes providing wildly incorrect answers. Sharing AI-generated content without verifying its accuracy means you risk passing on misinformation. Even worse, doing so without disclosing that the content is AI-generated creates the false impression that you endorse its truthfulness.
AI as a Research Tool, Not a Replacement
This isn’s an argument against using AI tools altogether. AI can be a powerful resource—particularly for initial research. However, just as one wouldn’t simply copy-paste a Google search result as a definitive answer, using AI as an end point is problematic. A better approach involves using AI as a starting point for deeper exploration.
Instead of providing a simple AI-generated answer, use these tools to enhance your own understanding and offer valuable insights that a machine couldn’t replicate.
Journalists, for instance, understand the importance of due diligence. Rather than simply asking an AI for an overview, a journalist would use it to identify primary sources, then critically evaluate those sources themselves. Similarly, in any profession, leveraging AI should be a starting point, not a substitute for critical thinking and original contribution.
Ultimately, the shift from “Let Me Google That For You” to the current trend of sharing AI output highlights a growing need for mindful digital etiquette. It’s a reminder that while technology offers incredible tools, it shouldn’t come at the expense of respect, accuracy, and genuine human connection. Using AI responsibly means recognizing its limitations and leveraging it to amplify, not replace, your own expertise
