Is Search Dead As We Know It?
There is a lot of hype surrounding artificial intelligence, especially generative AI. Chatbots have captured the imagination of people.
The issue is sifting through the hype and rhetoric to figure out what is going on. This is not easy but is something that, if done carefully, can at least peel back the layers.
When we look at the Internet of today, one of the dominating figures is Google. It basically controls the search market. By extension, it is the force behind SEO.
So what is the future of these in a world where generative AI could potentially be taking over?
We look into this.
Image generated by Ideomgram
Google Search Dead?
There is no doubt that Google build a data mine. Nobody as more Internet data than that company. Over the last 2 decades, it inserted itself everyone online. Many website use the analytics to better optimize their sites. Of course, in doing so, they keep feeding the beast.
Has the time come where the game is changing?
My answer is that we definitely are going to see this. However, it might not be as you expect.
Search is becoming fragmented. This is another term for decentralized. We are starting to see sites take it upon themselves to handle this.
What does this mean?
Amazon and Walmart are two sites with extensive search features. Not only does this allow shoppers to move around but it will also link people to the relevant information regarding the products. This means people can conduct a search without leaving those sites.
This is a major blow to Google. If this practice spreads, it will provide more power to the individual platforms. Consider what some of the other larger players could do.
For this reason, search, as we know it will be in decline. We are going to see enhanced search capabilities built right into website and platforms, removing the need to switch to Google.
AI Affecting Search
Of course, the question of the chatbots remains.
While many conclude this is a certainly, it is not clear. The idea of search is something that goes against what generative AI is about. Also, the question of what search is being conducted.
Many utilize Google to do research. People are not looking for a website (or product). Instead, they want information.
Here is where we see chatbots taking a lot away from Google. If I can use a chatbot and converse with an entity that was trained on most of the information on the Internet, then I will get the answers I am looking. Certainly, some might be incorrect and some verification is required. Nevertheless, there is no need to go through dozens of websites suggested by Google search.
This can change the entire structure of information. Google is old school Internet, using the ability to link data with hyperlink technology. This was, after all, what the Internet was founded upon.
AI changes this with a new database scheme that "links" data in a different manner. The goal is to be able to generate the answers that are sought as opposed to simply providing a webpage that contains the information.
The difference should now be evident.
Chatbots are meant to be chatted with. Think of it like asking the smartest person you know (times 100K) questions about anything. Consider the ability to "talk" to this being in conversational form.
For the time being, it is a bit limited but this is going to expand with each new generation of training.
The next generation is not search as we know it.
Will chatbots be the one to replace this? Time will tell.
Posted Using InLeo Alpha
I'm still using search rather than AI for most of my information gathering, but I do find myself toggling to AI more frequently than I did in the past as the answers have been of better quality.
It takes some time to change. A lot of it is habit.
I have seen a good amount of posts where people are saying that Google search has been bad for a few years now. It isn't giving the best results to the search prompts, and many are blaming the SEO optimizations. I've seen a lot of people say that they go to reddit, quora, or stack websites for their questions instead. I think AI will be the final nail in the coffin for people searching on google for answers.
There is no doubt that Google sets the algorithm to arrive at desired results. They do not offer an impartial view of what is taking place. It became evident in their AI rollouts.
Indeed amazon and walmart which are shopping site are really doing a lot to claim autonomy, it's applaudable. Although I have seen of a concept where they link to Google for ratings of a product and other features is that true ?.
Chatbots indeed are the best, it's more effective as it's straight to the point and consumes less time, isn't that the qualities of getting a good information aside accuracy, in my opinion it's a good heuristic base.
We are looking at a complete change as these platform integrate more into their offerings. It is no longer siloed moats.
Have you looked into Perplexity? It is the best way to research any topic now. Even when it is a topic that is framed in the media, then with perplexity you get the real facts and all views if you want.
I no longer search anything with Google, but use Perplexity instead.
I have in the past but not in a while. That was one of the early ones in the game. A lot of them emerging.
They have improved it a lot
You are very right with this point. In fact I believe this has really reduces the ability of website or bloggers because there have been a reduce in traffic
People are not looking for a website (or product). Instead, they want information, you can say that again friend. scrolling through pages is becoming boring and distracting. It now about 'get to the point' and AI chat bots indeed have a hedge. We know Google should be working on something as we speak.
It does get burdensome when going through pages of results trying to find something and having nothing that is applicable. We will see how chatbots do with info.
Google has more data than anyone but they are screwing things up in a major way when it comes to #ai.