The ChatGPT search volume has reportedly reached around 20 per cent of Google's search activity, signalling a growing shift in how people access information online. As users increasingly explore AI-powered answers instead of browsing multiple search results, ChatGPT is emerging as a significant alternative to traditional search engines.
The figures were shared by Adam Fry, ChatGPT's consumer product lead, during a conversation with Alex Kantrowitz for the Big Technology newsletter. Fry said the platform's search-like queries had reached approximately one-fifth of Google's volume.
He also revealed that ChatGPT's weekly active users increased from 1 billion to 1.2 billion in just two months, representing an addition of around 200 million users.
ChatGPT Becomes an Information Destination
The growing use of AI chatbots for information discovery reflects changing online habits. A Pew Research Center survey found that searching for information was the most common reason American adults used AI chatbots, with approximately 42 per cent reporting such usage.
Work-related tasks were another major use case, with 38 per cent of employed adults saying they had used AI at work.
The survey also highlighted ChatGPT's reach among American users. Around 44 per cent of adults said they had used ChatGPT, compared with 24 per cent who had tried Google's Gemini.
According to Fry, users are increasingly asking ChatGPT about people, places and subjects requiring updated information. Queries related to finance and health are also gaining importance, where access to current information can be particularly valuable.
Google Continues to Dominate Search
Despite ChatGPT's growth, Google remains the dominant player in internet search. The company says it processes approximately five trillion searches annually.
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai has previously argued that AI chatbots do not necessarily threaten Google's business, describing the situation as far from a zero-sum competition.
However, traditional search engines have faced criticism over search results dominated by SEO-driven content. Some users have increasingly added terms such as Reddit to searches to find more authentic discussions and recommendations.
Convenience Could Reshape Search Habits
ChatGPT offers a different experience by combining information into direct responses rather than requiring users to visit multiple websites. However, the chatbot can still produce inaccurate information, making independent verification important.
The reported figures do not establish how many ChatGPT queries have directly replaced Google searches. Nevertheless, they indicate that AI-powered platforms are becoming increasingly familiar destinations for everyday questions.
For Google, the challenge may not simply be competition from another search engine, but a broader change in how people expect information to be delivered.
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