Google’s Gemini AI chatbot was used by three hikers who were later rescued from Mount Shasta in California.
The hikers, who set out at 3am, reached the summit at 7pm and attempted to descend in the dark, calling the sheriff’s office for directions.
They spent the night in Mud Creek Canyon before being rescued the next morning by Forest Service rangers and volunteers.
The sheriff’s office reported that the hikers were advised by Gemini to bring far less food and water than their group required, especially when their planned 8-hour ascent became a multiday ordeal.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that while it’s not clear whether Gemini can take all the blame for these bad decisions, the hikers should not rely solely on AI for trip planning.
"It is always advisable to call the local USFS Mount Shasta ranger station ahead of your trip to ensure you have the most accurate information, and to never rely solely on AI for your trip planning," said the sheriff’s office. The statement highlights the importance of human oversight in AI-assisted planning.
The incident follows a growing trend of AI being used for outdoor activities, raising questions about the reliability and limitations of such tools. The sheriff’s office noted that the hikers’ decisions led to a dangerous situation, underscoring the need for caution when using AI for trip planning.
Google did not comment on the specific role Gemini played in the hikers’ decisions, and the company has not addressed the broader implications of AI in outdoor planning. The incident has sparked a discussion about the responsibilities of both users and developers of AI tools.
Source: techcrunch
