AI Tools Like ChatGPT Rise as Google Search Declines
▼ Summary
– Google’s share of general information searches declined from 73% to 66.9% between February and August.
– ChatGPT usage nearly tripled from 4.1% to 12.5% of respondents during the same period.
– Daily AI tool usage doubled from 14% to 29.2%, while “never” users dropped from 28% to 16%.
– Platform switching increased, with 35% of users changing their search habits compared to 28% in February.
– AI use in local search doubled to 10%, challenging Google’s traditional stronghold in this area.
A significant shift in how people find information is underway, with AI tools like ChatGPT rapidly gaining popularity as traditional Google search sees a decline. Recent research highlights this changing landscape, revealing that users are increasingly turning to conversational AI for answers that once would have required multiple search engine queries.
According to a recent survey of 1,500 U.S. participants, Google’s dominance in general information searches has slipped noticeably. Between February and August, its share dropped from 73% to just under 67%. During that same period, the use of ChatGPT nearly tripled, moving from 4.1% to 12.5% of respondents. Daily reliance on AI tools more than doubled, climbing from 14% to 29%, indicating a strong and growing user commitment to these platforms.
The data also shows that people are becoming more willing to switch between different tools and platforms. About 35% of those surveyed reported changing their search habits, up from 28% earlier in the year. This reflects a broader trend of experimentation and adoption, especially among younger users who are blending TikTok, Instagram, and ChatGPT into their daily routines. Even in local search, long considered Google’s territory, AI usage doubled to reach 10%.
These behavioral changes carry important implications for digital marketers and SEO professionals. User search behavior is becoming more fragmented, meaning strategies can no longer focus solely on Google. While optimizing for Google remains essential, visibility across multiple AI platforms is now equally critical. Marketers must adapt to reach audiences wherever they are seeking information, whether through traditional search, social media, or AI-driven interfaces.
The survey compared identical groups of respondents across age, region, and demographic profiles, ensuring consistent and valid insights into evolving search trends. This data offers a clear snapshot of how quickly technology adoption is reshaping the digital discovery process.
(Source: MarTech)
