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Sick of AI Writing Your Docs? Here's How to Turn It Off

Carson West

— 4 min read

PLUS: Social media algorithms you can actually control, and a Google Home that listens to YOU

✉️ Editor's Note

Some days it feels like AI is everywhere — even places we didn't ask it to be. If you've opened a Google Doc lately only to have Gemini interrupt your flow with writing suggestions, you're not alone. Today we're covering the exact opposite of the usual AI news: how to turn it off, plus new tools that put you back in the driver's seat. Because sometimes the smartest tech is the tech that knows when to get out of your way.

— Sarah Chen, Editor

🗞️ TODAY IN AI

1. Google Docs AI can finally be turned off (yes, really): If the "Write with Gemini" pop-ups have been driving you crazy, here's the fix. New controls let you disable AI writing suggestions entirely in Google Docs — no more ghost text or chatty sidebar. Go to Tools → Preferences → uncheck "Show Gemini writing suggestions." Peace at last. Full guide at TechCrunch

2. Social media algorithms are getting a user-controlled makeover: Threads, Instagram, and TikTok are rolling out tools that let YOU tell the algorithm what you want to see more (or less) of — instead of just hoping the feed figures it out. Think sliders for "more cats, less crypto bros." It's not perfect, but it's a step toward feeds that actually serve you. Read more at TechCrunch

3. The $100 Gemini-powered Google Home is finally here: Google's long-awaited affordable smart speaker is now available for preorder (ships June 25). It's powered by Gemini AI, which means better conversation flow, smarter home control, and — at $100 — a budget-friendly way to bring an AI assistant into your living room. Details at Ars Technica

🔬 DEEP DIVE

By Marcus Rivera

Your Algorithm, Your Rules: Why Social Feeds Are Finally Listening to You

For years, social media algorithms have been a black box. You scroll, you hope for the best, and you rage-quit when your feed is all engagement bait and things you don't care about. That's finally changing. Threads, Instagram, and TikTok are introducing user-controlled algorithm settings — sliders, toggles, and preference menus that let you directly influence what the AI shows you.

Why this matters for you. Think of it like training a puppy instead of fighting a wolf. These new controls don't mean you'll never see a bad post again, but they give you actual levers to pull: you can tell the algorithm "show me more of this topic" or "show me less of this creator" without having to block or unfollow. For anyone who's ever muttered "why is my feed showing me this?" — this is the closest thing we've got to a fix.

The takeaway: Go into your settings today and look for "Content Preferences," "Algorithm Controls," or "Feed Customization" options (they're rolling out slowly, so check back if you don't see them yet). Spend five minutes tweaking them. A better feed won't happen overnight, but for the first time, you actually have a say in the matter.

🎓 AI ACADEMY

By Alex Torres

How to Find Hidden Treasure with Google Search (AI-Assisted Thrifting)

👤 Best for: Thrift store enthusiasts, vintage shoppers, bargain hunters, anyone who loves a good deal

Google Search has some surprisingly powerful AI-assisted tricks that can turn your next thrift run from a lucky gamble into a strategic mission. Here's how to use advanced search operators (and a little AI help) to find what you're actually looking for.

  1. Use site: to search specific marketplaces. Type site:ebay.com vintage levi's 501 to search only eBay. Combine with site:poshmark.com or site:etsy.com for cross-platform treasure hunting.
  2. Leverage before: and after: for time-bound deals. Try "mid-century lamp" site:facebook.com/marketplace before:2025-01-01 to find older (and often underpriced) listings that sellers forgot to remove.
  3. Use Google Lens on images of items you already own. Upload a photo of a vintage vase you love, and Google Lens will find similar pieces listed across the web — often priced lower because the seller didn't know what they had.
  4. Set Google Alerts for your holy grail items. Go to google.com/alerts and create alerts for phrases like "Pyrex dish" "vintage" "thrift" — Google will email you when new listings pop up.

Sample Prompt (copy and paste this into ChatGPT or Gemini to plan your strategy):

I'm going thrift shopping this weekend looking for vintage home decor (mid-century lamps, Pyrex dishes, old ceramic vases). Act as a vintage shopping strategist. Give me:
1. The 5 best Google Search operators to find underpriced listings
2. The best times of day to check Facebook Marketplace for new listings
3. A checklist of keywords I should know (brand names, patterns, materials)
4. How to use Google Lens effectively while in-store

💡 Pro tip: Search for misspelled versions of popular brands (e.g., "Levis" instead of "Levi's" or "Pryex" instead of "Pyrex"). Sellers who don't know what they have often misspell the name — and that means you pay less.

⚡ QUICK HITS

  • 🔧 Google Docs AI Off Switch: The menu path is Tools → Preferences → Uncheck "Show Gemini writing suggestions." Takes 10 seconds. TechCrunch guide
  • 🎯 Google Home Speaker Preorder: $100, Gemini-powered, ships June 25. Preorder now if you want to be first in line. Ars Technica
  • 🚀 Anthropic joins Frontier carbon removal coalition: Claude's creators are the first AI company to join a major climate initiative — a reminder that AI's impact goes beyond the screen. Read more

💬 PROMPT OF THE DAY

Thrift Shopping Strategy Planner

You are a vintage shopping expert with 20 years of experience. I'm going thrifting this weekend. My goal is to find [insert item, e.g., "vintage mid-century furniture" or "retro Pyrex dishes"]. I have a budget of $[X] and will be visiting [number] stores.

Create a game plan that includes:
- What specific brands/patterns/makers I should look for
- How to quickly scan a shelf and spot valuable items
- What to check for damage (crazing, cracks, repairs)
- A fair price range for each item type
- Negotiation scripts I can use at flea markets

See you tomorrow,
The Have AI Do It Team
Sarah, Marcus, Alex & the crew

We translate 'Tech Velocity' into 'Everyday Utility.'

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