Google's AI-powered search summaries just got exposed in the most ridiculous way possible. A YouTuber named Jeffrey Phillips spent three months convincing Google's algorithm that Grand Theft Auto 6 would feature a dedicated twerk button, and it actually worked.
The experiment ran from July through late September, and Phillips didn't need to do much heavy lifting. He posted claims about the nonexistent feature across Reddit and X a couple times a day, created some TikTok videos, mocked up fake controller layouts, and even made a song about it.
When someone called him out on Reddit demanding proof, he simply replied that Rockstar Games called him. That was apparently enough evidence for Google.
Phillips knew Google recently started prioritizing Reddit threads in its AI search results, so he focused his efforts there first. He also created a subreddit dedicated to the fake feature. The rest of his content was designed to make him look like someone with insider knowledge, even though nothing he produced was remotely convincing.
What makes this embarrassing for Google is how quickly the misinformation spread through its system. Phillips expected the AI might acknowledge that some Reddit users believed the rumor. Instead, his own comments became direct sources in Google's AI overview, appearing as authoritative information alongside actual news about the game.
Phillips admitted he was shocked by how easy it was. He never tried to create substantial or convincing evidence, yet his casual posts became treated as fact by one of the world's most powerful search engines. The AI overview couldn't distinguish between an obvious joke within a gaming community and legitimate information from developers or journalists.
Since Phillips released his video documenting the experiment, his subreddit has blown up with other users trying to pull off similar stunts. People are now flooding it with their own fake facts, all hoping to trick Google's algorithm into believing whatever absurdity they can dream up.
The whole thing highlights a fundamental problem with AI-generated search results that lack human oversight. Phillips only needed consistent posting and some basic supporting content to manipulate what millions of people see when they search for information about one of the most anticipated games in years.
For what it's worth, Phillips isn't even that invested in GTA 6. He says he'll play it and probably enjoy it, but he has mixed feelings about killing innocent NPCs and doubts the game will live up to its massive hype. He thinks modern games face impossible expectations, though he believes people will appreciate it more over time.
The GTA 6 twerk button doesn't exist and never did, but the damage to Google's credibility is very real, and it only cost one person a few months of casual posting to make it happen.
