Survey Shows AI Tools Overtaking Google Search

AI-driven tools are increasingly becoming part of people’s daily search routines, with ChatGPT seeing a sharp rise in adoption while Google’s dominance shows signs of slipping. A new survey of U.S. users highlights how quickly search habits are shifting, with more people experimenting with and relying on AI platforms.

The research, carried out by Higher Visibility, questioned 1,500 participants across the United States. It compared results from February and August 2025, giving a clear view of how user behaviour has evolved over a relatively short time. The findings suggest that reliance on Google for everyday information is weakening, while AI tools are moving into the mainstream.

According to the report, Google’s share of general information searches fell noticeably. In February, nearly three-quarters of respondents (73%) said they used Google as their go-to search platform, but by August this had dropped to 66.9%. Although Google remains the dominant player, the downward trend is significant.

At the same time, ChatGPT has seen its usage surge. Back in February, only 4.1% of survey participants said they turned to ChatGPT for search purposes. By August, that figure had almost tripled to 12.5%. This rapid growth highlights how users are becoming more comfortable using AI as a search alternative.

Daily use of AI tools in general has also accelerated. In February, 14% of people reported using AI platforms every day. By August, that proportion had doubled to 29%. This shows not only experimentation but also a growing reliance on AI in everyday digital habits.

Meanwhile, the number of users who said they “never” used AI tools dropped sharply. At the beginning of the year, 28% claimed they did not use AI at all. By late summer, only 16% gave that response. This suggests more people are at least testing AI tools, even if they have not fully adopted them into daily life.

Another important finding was around platform switching. More users are changing the way they approach search altogether. In August, 35% of respondents said they had altered how they search for information, compared with 28% in February. This reflects growing experimentation with different platforms and formats.

The survey also revealed that younger audiences are driving much of this change. Many are now mixing traditional search with platforms like TikTok and Instagram, alongside AI tools such as ChatGPT. This blended approach shows how search is evolving beyond single-platform dependency.

Local search – an area where Google has long held dominance – is also shifting. The report found that AI use for local queries doubled to 10%. While Google Maps and search results still play a leading role, AI is beginning to challenge this space too.

The wider picture is clear: the adoption of AI tools is not only increasing but also becoming more consistent. The fact that daily usage nearly doubled in just six months highlights how quickly these technologies are embedding themselves into everyday digital routines.

For search marketers and businesses, these changes carry significant implications. Relying solely on Google search visibility may no longer be enough. With search habits fragmenting across platforms, strategies need to include AI-driven tools alongside traditional optimisation for Google.

That said, SEO for Google is still vital. The platform remains the largest player in search, but it is no longer the only option that matters. Businesses now need to consider how they appear in AI-generated responses as well as in traditional search results.

The shift also underscores how information discovery itself is evolving. Users are no longer tied to one channel but are instead comparing and consuming information across multiple sources. This means competition for attention is more complex than before.

The survey data is based on identical questionnaires conducted in February and August, each with 1,500 participants. Respondents represented a mix of ages, demographics, and regions, ensuring a consistent and balanced look at broader search trends.

Overall, the results point to a decisive trend: AI tools are rapidly reshaping how people search, and their adoption is accelerating far quicker than expected. While Google remains a cornerstone of online information, its position is being tested by the growing popularity and everyday use of AI-driven alternatives.