By Alina Rezepova, Staff Writer
Nowadays, many people can get answers to any question they want in just seconds, especially with apps like Google’s Gemini. When artificial intelligence (AI) starts prioritizing speed, do people sacrifice depth of understanding for instant results?
Google recently updated its Gemini app, introducing the “Answer Now” feature, which allows users to bypass the extended reasoning phase and receive faster responses. According to WindowsReport.com, this feature was introduced to users in response to their growing need for instant AI responses.
Nevertheless, the question remains whether this change ultimately serves users well, and what might be lost when deeper analysis is bypassed. Dr. Geondrell Jackson, assistant professor of computer science at Saint Leo University, shared his opinion.
“It makes sense from a user-experience standpoint. Most people using AI tools want quick, clear responses. This is usually the focal point in everyday tasks like searching, writing assistance, or brainstorming,” said Jackson.
Although the new feature provides quick answers to urgent questions, not doing a deeper analysis can lead to missing nuances and a complete understanding of the problem.
“Speed is useful, but sometimes the ‘why’ behind an answer matters more than the ‘what,’” added Jackson.
The “Answer Now” feature makes interacting with AI more convenient. This feature perfectly serves those users who do not need to receive a detailed and in-depth answer but are looking for a quick, practical solution to their problem.
Sometimes the “Answer Now” function may malfunction, or the response may be incorrect or incomplete. In such cases, the AI’s deep understanding function searches for the most accurate solution.
“Without deeper reasoning, the system may overlook nuance, misinterpret intent, or offer answers that sound right but miss the mark. It is efficient, but not always accurate or reflective ofcomplex thinking,” said Jackson.
For students, the use of AI is also an important attribute to their daily lives. They can use it to generate ideas, to re-examine a complex topic, or even for extracurricular activities.
“I usually prefer more detailed answers because they help me better understand a topic that I have not figured out yet,” said Aisuluu Osmonova, a sophomore majoring in computer science.
“Even if I am sure of the answer, I still do a double check of the question to understand the whole problem-solving process,” added Osmonova.
Both at school and at work, as well as in everyday life, this change shows how important it is to critically evaluate AI responses.
“Tools like Gemini are helpful, but they should support, not replace, thoughtful analysis,” saidJackson.
The “Answer Now” feature shows how quickly user preferences change. Speed and accuracy of response are important in working with AI right now, and deep analysis remains essential for serious projects.
As AI continues to evolve, Google can further refine Gemini’s ability to balance speed and depth, giving users even more control based on their needs.
