Google Search Decline: 42% Say it’s Losing its Edge as AI and Communities Take Over

Google Search Decline

California: Google’s monopoly is weakening as consumers look towards AI and community platforms for answers. In a recent survey conducted by Vox Media, 42% of consumers reported using Google less frequently, and 55% instead depend on communities instead of search engines.

The largest change is among younger users—61% of Gen Z and 53% of Millennials now use AI tools more than Google. At the same time, 76% think Google’s shopping results are too full of ads, with only 14% finding them useful.

The survey also discovered that 52% of the respondents use AI chatbots or sites such as TikTok rather than Google Search. Also, 66% think search quality is getting worse, making it more difficult to find trustworthy information.

This follows Google’s market share falling below 90% recently for the first time since 2015. Dissatisfaction with search, paid advertisement, and eroding trust has driven consumers to seek alternatives such as AI-based answers and specialized online communities.

With legacy technology losing credibility, there’s increasing room for new search upstarts providing curated, authentic, and ad-free experiences. The future of discovery on the web may not be in search engines but in smaller, more trusted online communities.

However, the survey, conducted by Vox Media and Two Cents Insights, surveyed more than 2,000 U.S. adults.

Disclaimer: The news articles published on Innovate Marketers are based on reports from reputable third-party sources and are not original reporting by Innovate Marketers. While we strive to ensure accuracy and integrity, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. 

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