AI Summaries Reduce Clicks on Google Links
Recent findings from the Pew Research Center have revealed that Google users encountering AI-generated summaries are significantly less likely to click on website links than those who do not see these summaries. Specifically, only 1% of users who encountered an AI summary chose to click the link to the summarized page.
Impact on Online Traffic
The report suggests that Google’s AI Overview feature, which replaced the previous format showcasing “10 blue links,” is likely to diminish website traffic, jeopardizing the online presence of numerous blogs and news outlets. This feature directs users toward AI-generated content that may contain inaccuracies but is presented with unwarranted assurance.
A Publisher’s Experience
As a content creator, I published a piece detailing Spotify’s AI-generated music from deceased artists without authorization. After thorough research and fact-checking, Spotify took action by removing flagged tracks, which led to significant traffic to our website. Normally, we convert this attention into revenue via advertisements and subscriptions.
Reduced Traffic from Google
Despite this story receiving considerable engagement through Google, it could have attracted more traffic. While searching “AI music Spotify,” a Google snippet summarized my article, yet it linked to an external blog rather than our original content, showcasing a growing issue with Google’s content aggregation.
The Consequences of AI Summaries
Google’s AI Overview perpetuates the issue of content aggregation, diverting traffic from original sources. This not only threatens our work at 404 Media but also poses a risk to every information-producing entity online. If these sources lose their audience, the quality and availability of information could suffer dramatically.
Potential Misinformation Issues
While AI summaries can be accurate, they raise concerns regarding misinformation. Examples of erroneous AI responses include mistakenly declaring living individuals as deceased. Furthermore, artistic endeavors have successfully tricked Google’s AI into presenting fictional theories as real, indicating vulnerabilities in the system.
Future of Online Information
There’s hope that the current landscape, wherein Google dominates search, will face disruption from alternative AI platforms or human-centric search engines. However, there’s a troubling trend toward prioritizing scalability over accuracy, with serious implications for the quality of information on the internet.
