Do you use Google? Here is why you are already one of the ancestors of the Internet

Google Search is not as effective as it used to be. A recent survey reveals that many users consider the quality of the results to be declining. Faced with this loss of trust, more and more people are turning to other platforms such as social networks or artificial intelligence.

For over twenty years, Google Search has been the essential search tool on the Internet. It has established itself as the primary gateway to online information. However, with the evolution of algorithms and the rise of advertising, some users feel that the results are less relevant. A trend that pushes part of the public to look for alternatives.

A survey conducted by The Verge in partnership with Two Cents Insights and Vox Media questioned more than 2,000 adults in the United States. The results are clear: 66% of respondents believe that the quality of information on Google Search has decreased. Worse still, 42% of them consider search engines overall less useful than before, making it more complicated to find reliable sources.

Internet users are abandoning Google Search in favor of social networks and AI

With the decline in trust in search engines, new habits are emerging. According to the study, 55% of respondents prefer to turn to online communities for information, considering these sources more relevant and authentic. In addition, 52% of participants say they use artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT Search or platforms like TikTok for their research instead of Google. This change in behavior is even more marked Among younger generations: 53% of millennials and 61% of Gen Z favor AI to delve deeper into a topic.

Another sticking point is sponsored results. According to the survey, 76% of users find that seeing more than a quarter of results as ads makes search less useful. Only 14% of respondents believe that these results are actually relevant. Google is also facing accusations of favoritism in its search results, particularly in Europe, where the company is under antitrust investigation. Between the loss of user confidence and pressure from regulators, Google Search seems to be struggling in the face of competition that is quickly adapting to new expectations.