Google revamps search engine, integrating generative AI

Google is working to change its search engine in response to the success of ChatGPT. The company generates most of its revenue from search, making it crucial for Google to adapt. When ChatGPT launched in 2022, Google realized it had to innovate to stay competitive. In the past, Google was hesitant to alter its search model. Employees had suggested using AI to answer questions directly, but their ideas faced resistance from leadership. However, after seeing the impact of ChatGPT, Google declared a "code red" and dedicated many engineers to develop new AI features for search. The integration of AI has raised concerns about the quality of search results. Many users have noticed that Google search has become cluttered with low-quality sites designed to attract clicks, which has frustrated users and affected the experience. Despite the risks, Google has begun testing a new feature called AI overviews. This move shows that the company is willing to experiment with its product. Liz Reid, who oversees AI development at Google, emphasizes the importance of getting user feedback quickly. However, the increase in AI features has had consequences for web creators who depend on Google for traffic. Some have reported significant drops in visitors to their sites and express frustration at how their needs have been overlooked. Many creators feel their partnership with Google is failing. While apps like ChatGPT have not yet significantly impacted Google’s market share, analysts suggest warning signs for Google's future growth. The question remains whether Google can successfully adapt to AI while preserving the quality and trust that users expect from its search engine.