Google is rolling out AI overviews in Google Search, replacing “featured snippets,” to all US users. These overviews provide summaries of web pages, sometimes without linking to the original sites. This move has raised concerns in the publishing industry, as it may reduce the incentive for publishers to create new content that AI models rely on. Google, which earns most of its revenue from digital ads, has not clarified how it plans to monetize this new Generative Search Experience (SGE). The company announced its plan to incorporate artificial intelligence into Search at Google I/O 2024, and the AI overviews are now appearing at the top of search results pages in the US.
This shift to AI summaries at the top of search results raises questions about plagiarism, compensation for editors, and user behavior. If users can find the information they need directly from Google’s AI overview, they may be less likely to click back to the original source. This could impact publishers’ web traffic and digital ad revenue, ultimately harming Google’s business model. The company’s reliance on ads raises the question of how it will continue to make money if people stop clicking on web pages.
Google’s extensive presence in the tech industry includes a focus on search and advertising, with digital ad revenue totaling over $237 billion last year. The company’s decision to prioritize AI summaries in Search may impact the revenue it generates from ads on websites. The potential for e-commerce and other revenue streams from SGE remains uncertain, but Google must find a way to adapt to ensure its continued success.
AI models require continuous training with new information to remain effective. Without fresh content, AI models may become outdated and unable to answer questions about recent events. Google’s strategy of promoting AI summaries over original content could hinder the development of AI models in the long run. The company must consider ways to compensate publishers for their content, as their work is essential for training AI models and providing valuable information to users.
Despite concerns about the impact of AI overviews on publishers, Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai has expressed optimism about the positive reception of this feature. He believes that AI summaries can enhance user understanding and interaction with content. However, the long-term effects of AI dominance in Search remain uncertain, especially as publishers continue to face challenges related to changes in Google’s algorithms.
In conclusion, Google’s rollout of AI overviews in Google Search has raised questions about the future of online publishing and the company’s revenue model. As AI models become more prominent in search results, publishers may face challenges in maintaining web traffic and ad revenue. Google must address concerns about the impact of AI on the publishing industry and find ways to support content creators while embracing technological advancements.
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https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/google/googles-ai-overviews-in-search-might-kill-publishing-and-its-going-to-backfire-eventually