WENTZVILLE, Mo. (InvestigateTV) — A Missouri restaurant said it is dealing with customer confusion after Google’s artificial intelligence feature generated false information about specials and pricing that do not exist.
Stefanina’s in Wentzville has received calls from customers asking about deals that Google’s AI overview claims the restaurant offers, including a promotion for a second pizza for $4 and incorrect pricing information that said large pizzas cost the same as small ones.
“We’re like, what are you talking about?” Eva Gannon, a Stefanina’s employee whose family has owned the restaurant for 25 years, said. “You buy a pizza, you get the second pizza for $4. We’ve never offered that special.”
Restaurant responds to AI confusion
The false information led to customer complaints and confusion, forcing the restaurant to post on Facebook and ask customers not to rely on AI-generated search results.
“We can’t, as a small family business, honor a Google AI special,” Gannon said.
The restaurant now encourages customers to contact it directly for accurate information about menu items and pricing.
Google announced in 2024 that it would expand with AI to “let Google do the searching for you.”
The company did not respond to messages about the restaurant’s situation, but a company guide cautions that AI can sometimes misunderstand information or generate false details.
Experts warn about AI limitations
Washington University Professor Jonathan Hanahan, who works with artificial intelligence, said the technology is still evolving and requires human verification.
“There’s a big difference between using AI and working with AI,” Hanahan said.
He said the intent behind search prompts can sometimes skew information and emphasizes the importance of fact-checking AI-generated results.
“It will sometimes take liberties to get you what you’re looking for,” he added.
Growing concerns about AI misinformation
Travis Bible, who has a background in film, creates content to educate viewers about identifying AI-generated photos and videos after recognizing the potential for misinformation.
“I’m trying to create AI-awareness. I don’t want people to be caught off guard, kind of like the way I was, with how far this technology has come,” Bible said. “It’s not coming, it’s here.”
See the full story by Nathan Vickers.
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