Hassan Khan
ChatGPT Overtakes Google in Everyday Searches for Millions.
For decades, Google has been the first stop for anyone looking up information online. Whether it was planning a trip, finding a recipe, or checking the news, the world’s most popular search engine had an answer. But things are beginning to shift. A growing number of people are now skipping Google altogether and asking their questions directly to large language models like ChatGPT.
A Shift in Daily Habits
Take the example of Anja-Sara Lahady, a lawyer and legal technology consultant based in Canada. For her, ChatGPT has become more than a research tool it’s practically a personal assistant. She turns to it for help with everything from planning meals with limited ingredients to decorating her room. Tasks that once drained her energy are now simplified by a single conversation with AI.
Anja isn’t alone. Around the world, millions are making a similar switch, especially for quick and low stakes queries. According to Demandsage, ChatGPT now attracts over 800 million weekly active users, doubling its numbers since early 2025.
Why People Prefer ChatGPT
The main attraction is simplicity. Instead of scrolling through a dozen search results, people get one clear, conversational response that feels tailored to their needs.
Professor Feng Li from Bayes Business School explains it well: “Instead of juggling 10 links, you get a short synthesis you can edit and build on in plain English.” This makes AI especially useful for summarizing documents, drafting emails, or brainstorming ideas.
How Google Is Responding
Google isn’t sitting still. The tech giant has rolled out new features like AI Overviews and AI Mode, offering more conversational answers to keep users engaged. Still, the fact that search traffic from Apple devices dropped for the first time in 20 years suggests that people’s habits are genuinely changing.
What It Means for Businesses
This shift isn’t just about convenience it’s reshaping marketing and online visibility. Experts note that AI models often prioritize trusted sources like official websites, press releases, and established media over casual social posts. For businesses, this means adapting strategies to ensure their content is recognized as reliable by these models.
The Future of Search
While traditional search engines still dominate, it’s clear that AI-powered assistants are carving out their own space. Most experts believe we won’t see a complete replacement of search engines but rather a hybrid model: people will use ChatGPT for quick, personalized advice and Google for tasks like shopping, booking services, or verifying information.
For now, one thing is clear the way people find answers online is changing, and AI is leading the charge.
Sumamry
In-Short: More people are now turning to AI tools like ChatGPT instead of Google for daily queries, from cooking tips to travel plans, thanks to their speed and personalized answers. With over 800 million weekly users, LLMs are reshaping search habits, though experts say they’ll likely coexist with traditional search engines.
