Why I Ditched Google Search: A Shift in How I Find Information

I never thought I’d say this, but here we are in 2024. Google’s search monopoly isn’t as solid as it once seemed.

Ever since I started using AI tools, Google feels like an outdated way to search. While Google still has its uses, my habits have shifted dramatically. AI platforms now dominate my search routines, and I’m not the only one noticing this change.

What Do I Use for Search These Days?

Here’s how I break down my search habits on an average day:

• 40% Perplexity

• 30% OpenAI's ChatGPT

• 20% Google

• 10% Other websites

  
  

I still rely on Google for specific tasks like:

• Finding websites when I’m unsure of the URL

• Getting directions or finding local business information and reviews

• Booking flights or checking travel information

• Image searches and academic research, especially when I need source verification

These are things I do regularly, but not necessarily every day. For my daily search needs, AI platforms are leading the way.

Why AI Platforms Are Winning the Search Game

AI tools are fundamentally changing how I search for and interact with information. Here’s why they’ve become my go-to:

• Contextual Understanding: AI tools like Perplexity and ChatGPT understand my queries in a deeper way, offering more contextually accurate responses.

  
  

• No More Endless Scrolling: Instead of scrolling through pages of links, I get structured, actionable answers in seconds.

  
  

• Comprehensive Digging: AI digs through diverse sources for me, which means I get well-rounded responses instead of relying on a single viewpoint.

  
  

• Structured Responses: Instead of piecing information together from multiple sources, AI provides clear, structured answers right away.

  
  

• Follow-Up Queries: If I need more details or a clarification, I can follow up instantly within the same conversation.

  
  

• No Sponsored Results: Unlike traditional search engines, AI tools don’t push sponsored content in my face, which keeps my results more relevant and unbiased.

  
  

Why Google Might Be Losing Its Edge

Despite Google’s many strengths, here are a few reasons why I think it’s struggling to keep up with the AI-driven search experience:

• Ranking Over Quality: Having worked in SEO, I’ve seen how search rankings often favor SEO-optimized content over truly valuable information. This can make it harder to find quality content quickly.

  
  

• Slow to Adopt AI: While Google is slowly integrating AI (like with Gemini and Snippets), it’s clear that platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity have set the AI habit first. I’ve already gotten used to the more intuitive AI workflow, and going back feels like a step in the wrong direction.

  
  

• Sponsored Results Overload: As a marketer, I know that Google’s ads are optimized to push conversions, not necessarily to provide the most useful information. This often clutters the search results with less relevant content.

  
  

• Gemini and Snippets: While helpful, Google’s Gemini and snippet features are still limited to high-volume keywords. This doesn’t yet match the depth and personalization that AI platforms are offering.

  
  

Conclusion

Google Search is far from obsolete, but for many of my daily queries, AI tools have become my preferred option. The ability to get quick, contextual, and unbiased answers without wading through ads or SEO-optimized content has made a huge difference in my productivity. While Google remains a key player for specific searches, AI platforms are redefining how we interact with information, and that shift is only accelerating.

If you haven’t explored AI-powered search tools yet, you might find that they completely change the way you approach your daily searches.