As artificial intelligence tools become a bigger part of daily digital habits, Google appears to be exploring ways to promote healthier usage. The company is reportedly testing a new wellness feature for Gemini that gently reminds users to take breaks after extended conversations with the AI chatbot.
According to a report by a publication, Google is experimenting with short break reminders within Gemini. The feature was discovered during an Android application package teardown of the Google app beta version 17.3.59. By enabling a specific flag, the alert was made visible during testing. At present, it is not confirmed if or when this feature will roll out to users globally.
Based on a screenshot shared in the report, the reminder appears as a pop-up titled “Try a short break.” The message reads, “You’ve been chatting with Gemini for a while. It can be helpful to take breaks when you’re talking to an AI assistant that isn’t human.” Since the feature is still under development, the exact wording and the time duration after which the alert appears may change before a wider release.
This alert suggests that Google is actively considering the risks linked to prolonged interactions with AI chatbots. In recent times, OpenAI has faced multiple lawsuits alleging that ChatGPT played a role in incidents involving suicide and violent acts. In these cases, users were reported to have used the AI service very frequently and over long periods.
Another key aspect of the Gemini alert is its clear reminder that AI is not human. This appears to address concerns around users, especially teenagers, forming emotional bonds with chatbots or treating them as friends. Several academic studies have also warned that relying on chatbots for emotional support or engaging with them for extended periods can negatively impact mental health.
While the feature is still in testing, it reflects a growing focus among tech companies on responsible AI use and user well-being. For now, Google has not shared official details on when this reminder system might become part of Gemini for all users.
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