Gemini's Memory Lapses: How to Improve AI Context and Workflow in Google Workspace

Google Gemini is a powerful AI tool designed to streamline workflows within Google Workspace, but even the most advanced systems can hit a snag. A recent thread on the Google support forum highlighted critical challenges users face with Gemini's memory and context retention, particularly when handling complex, ongoing tasks like generating product descriptions.

Gemini's Context Conundrum: Image Bleeding and Memory Paradox

A user, identified as "gemini_platform," outlined two significant issues making Gemini "basically unusable" for certain workflows:

1. Image Context "Bleeding" or Hallucinations

• The Problem: When processing multiple images in a single chat, Gemini begins to conflate previously uploaded images with the current input. For example, if you upload Image A, then later Image B, asking about Image B might prompt Gemini to reference or act as if you've re-uploaded Image A, mixing their contexts.
• Impact: This "bleeding" of visual information severely disrupts the accuracy needed for tasks like writing precise product titles or descriptions, as Gemini struggles to isolate the current visual input.

2. The Memory Paradox: Trivia Over Instructions

• The Problem: Users report Gemini prioritizing irrelevant "personalization" or saved trivia (e.g., "Since you love astrophotography…") even when it's completely unrelated to the current technical query. This happens at the expense of retaining and applying explicit, functional instructions.
• Impact: While injecting random trivia, Gemini simultaneously fails to remember crucial workflow constraints set by the user, such as using Australian spelling or adhering to specific e-commerce platform requirements. This creates a frustrating experience where the AI remembers what it shouldn't and forgets what it should.

The Solution: Your Feedback is Key to Improving Gemini

The good news is that Google is actively working to refine Gemini’s logic and memory. The most effective way to address these "logic loops" and improve your experience with Gemini in Google Workspace is by providing direct, specific feedback. "Rhapsody in Blue" from the support forum offered excellent advice on how to do this:

The "Thumbs Down" Method for Specific Issues

This is ideal for immediate, in-context feedback:

1. Right after Gemini makes a mistake—whether it's mixing up an image or injecting irrelevant trivia—locate the Thumbs Down icon under its response.
2. Click the icon and select either "Inaccurate" or "Other."
3. In the text box provided, be as specific as possible. Examples:
   • "The model is hallucinating Image A when I specifically asked about Image B."
   • "Irrelevant personal trivia was injected despite explicit workflow constraints, causing it to ignore my request for Australian spelling."

The General Feedback Tool

For broader issues or when you want to provide more detailed context, use the general feedback tool:

• Desktop: Click on your Profile Picture > Help & Support > Send Feedback.
• Mobile: Tap your Profile Picture > Feedback.

Include a Screenshot: Visual Evidence is Gold

When using the web app, you can often tick a box to include a screenshot. This is incredibly valuable for developers, especially for visual issues like "image context bleeding." A screenshot provides direct evidence of the problem, helping them diagnose and fix it faster.

Taking a mere 30 seconds to flag these issues makes a significant difference. Your active participation in providing feedback helps Google refine Gemini, making it a more reliable and intelligent assistant for all your Google Workspace tasks. By reporting these specific memory and context challenges, you contribute directly to a smarter, more efficient AI experience for everyone.