Google’s search dominance won’t be easily toppled. But new AI feature in search engine like Microsoft’s Bing and rival startup You.com are rapidly reshaping consumer expectations. As users search for more effective search options, the search landscape is poised for a dramatic change.
According to AI ethicist and You.com CEO Richard Socher, the search landscape has been affected by several waves of Google alternatives and “hacks”. For example, millions of users add “site:reddit” to their search queries for authentic opinions and experiences from Reddit instead of commercial content optimized for Google. And, the rise of TikTok as a search alternative for Gen Z users and the emergence of AI-like chatbots also challenged traditional search methods by showing non-Google-owned YouTube social video content. As Socher explained, Bing, You, and other search startups have combined these features, giving users a more personalized search experience.
Also: ChatGPT’s intelligence is zero, but it’s a revolution in usefulness, says AI expert
Socher says combining AI and chat in search isn’t just a novelty. It has the ability to convert search engines into “complete engines”, helping users complete tasks more efficiently and avoid being inundated with low-quality content or ads.
“SEO-driven low-quality content devalues search results,” Socher says. “This has met consumer demand for a better search experience.”
But maybe artificial intelligence and user control really challenge Google’s hegemony in the search market? According to Socher, the key lies in innovation, user control and strategic partnerships. He acknowledged that Google has built a substantial moat around its business, from owning the Android and Chrome OS operating systems as well as the Chrome browser, to maintaining valuable partnerships. $15 billion with Apple to maintain the default search engine on its devices. However, he also points out that inherent habits can change, citing the shift from using “Skype” as a verb to newer communication platforms like Zoom.
Also: AI Can Automate 25% Of All Jobs Here Are The Most (And Least) Risks
Socher said Google needs help adapting to new models, such as artificial intelligence (AI), given its current business model and long-established market dominance. Google’s huge profits from the ad-based search engine make it difficult for the company to embrace innovative technologies that could disrupt the fragile balance of revenue streams. As a result, Google faced the classics The innovator’s dilemma, reluctant to fully commit to a new technology that is likely to erode its core business. This reluctance creates an opportunity for competitors like You.com to capitalize on the latest AI advancements and provide users with an enhanced and more personalized search experience, thereby challenging their position. incumbent of Google.
He envisions a future where AI will dramatically improve search engines by integrating search, chat, and synthetic AI. This approach can create a more useful and interactive user experience that goes beyond traditional search engine link lists. Socher believes that by harnessing generalized AI, search engines can better understand user intents and queries, providing more relevant and actionable results. These features can help users complete tasks more efficiently, such as creating images and essays, or even complete HTML web pages directly in the search results.
Also: How ChatGPT Works
Socher also highlighted the importance of AI in driving innovation in the search engine market. He noted that You.com is often the first company to introduce new AI capabilities, which other search engines will later adopt. This continuous cycle of innovation attracts users who want to be at the forefront of AI technology and sparks interest in platforms like You.com. By leveraging AI to deliver a more personalized and interactive search experience, Socher believes that search engines can effectively challenge the dominance of established players like Google and provide users a superior alternative to finding and accessing information online.
The discussion of general AI inevitably leads to questions about the growth potential of AGI, or general artificial intelligence. This term usually refers to a Super smart AI can surpass human intelligence and pose an existential threat to humanity.
However, Socher takes a more pragmatic view, arguing that concerns surrounding AGI are often overblown. He argues that large language models such as generalized AI would need to possess the desire or ability to assume thoughts of their own. Comparing steam engines and the internet, Richard argues that although these technologies have surpassed human capabilities in specific areas, they do not pose an existential threat to humanity. “To be [AGI fears] really realistic? I really don’t think so,” says Socher.Watch the full interview to hear his full explanation why.
