In recent years, the pattern of searching for information on the internet has undergone significant changes, especially among Generation Z and Millennials.
If in the past Google dominated as the main search engine, now many of this younger generation are starting to turn to other platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Reddit and artificial intelligence (AI) – based tools.
What caused this shift? Here are some of the main reasons:
- The need for Visual and interactive information
Generation Z and Millennials grew up with digital technology, so they prefer content that is visual and interactive. Platforms like YouTube or TikTok Offer Videos, Live tutorials, and visual explanations that are easier to understand than text from Google search results. - Personalization and community
Platforms like TikTok or Reddit offer more personalized content based on user interests. Their algorithms display content that matches individual preferences, and on Reddit, for example, users can read the live experiences of other communities, which often feel more relevant and trustworthy than SEO-based search results on Google. - Lack of trust in SEO and advertising
Many young users feel that search results on Google are too influenced by SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and advertising.
They often feel that the content that appears on the first page is not the most relevant or informative, but rather content that is optimized for search engines. As a result, Google is considered to not always offer the best or most honest answers.
- Search growth on social Media
Social Media is now not only a place to socialize, but also an information search platform. TikTok, for example, has evolved into a search engine for many younger generations. They look for product recommendations, tutorials or general information directly on TikTok, as the content is more relevant to current trends and easier to digest. - Ease Of Access To Experience-Based Information
The younger generation is more interested in information based on real experience. Forums like Reddit or testimonial videos on TikTok offer a higher sense of authenticity than Google search results, which often come from official websites or promotional articles. - Focus on specific and pragmatic searches
These new platforms have a more specific focus on specific topics. YouTube is the choice for looking for DIY tutorials, while TikTok is often used to look for fashion tips or product reviews with short duration. Searches on this platform are faster and more targeted than Google’s broad and general search results. - The influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in search
One of the main factors accelerating the shift away from Google has been advances in AI technology.
Younger generations are starting to turn to AI platforms like ChatGPT, Bing Chat, and Siri, which offer a more interactive and direct search experience. AI can provide answers tailored to the user’s specific questions, even being able to understand a deeper context.
Unlike Google, which brings up a list of links from websites, AI tools like ChatGPT provide direct answers in the form of text composed in natural language, so users don’t have to open multiple sites to find information. AI’s speed, efficiency, and ability to better understand context make it a popular choice for those looking for instant solutions.
- Innovative offerings from AI-based search
In addition to providing immediate answers, AI also offers features such as smart predictions, auto-suggestions, and comprehensive explanations tailored to user needs.
AI-based search tools are able to understand conversational language and offer solutions that feel more” human ” compared to SEO algorithm-based search results. Users can also dialogue with AI, making the information search process more dynamic and interactive.
Conclusion
Google may still be one of the largest search engines in the world, but the shift in preferences of Generation Z and Millennials to other platforms and AI tools shows that the way they get information has changed. The desire to get more visual, interactive, personalized and AI-based content is a major factor behind this change.
With the advancement of AI technology and the increasing popularity of social media platforms as search tools, the future of information search appears to be increasingly fragmented and personalized, paving the way for more platforms that will compete with Google.