The way we seek information online is undergoing a rapid transformation. Increasingly, users are turning to AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Siri, and Grok - for immediate, conversational responses. The statistics underscore this significant shift in search behavior.
1. A Growing Preference for Conversation
A recent study revealed that 27% of individuals now utilize AI chatbots instead of traditional search engines when seeking information. This indicates that more than one in four internet users bypass conventional search platforms in favor of chat-based solutions.
2. Chatbot Use Is Becoming a Daily Habit
Among those engaging with chatbots:
62% interact with an AI chatbot daily.
51% intend to increase their usage in the coming months.
49% believe that chatbots will eventually supplant traditional search engines.
The numbers behind this trend are compelling:
ChatGPT now has 600 million monthly active users worldwide, according to recent court filings (TechCrunch, May 2025).
As of May 2025, ChatGPT boasts approximately 122 million daily active users (demandsage.com).
ChatGPT now processes over 1 billion queries every day, underscoring its role as a primary information source for many users.
3. Even Apple Sees Search Declines
During the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust trial against Google, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, testified that Google searches in Safari declined for the first time ever in April 2025, suggesting that iPhone users are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for answers.
4. Traditional Search Is Projected to Slide Fast
Gartner predicts a 25% decline in search engine volume by 2026 as users shift to AI chatbots.
By 2028, organic search traffic is expected to decrease by 50% or more as consumers embrace AI-powered answers.
5. Google’s Big AI Push: Gemini Hits 400 Million Users
To adapt to these changes, Google has intensified its AI initiatives:
Gemini, Google’s AI chatbot, now has 400 million monthly active users worldwide (as announced at Google I/O 2025).
Google’s “AI Overviews” feature, summarizing answers directly in search results, reaches over 1.5 billion users every month.
Gemini’s rapid growth is fueled by integration across Gmail, Maps, Search, and more, embedding AI into various aspects of daily life.
Clickthrough rates on Google have declined by nearly 30%, as users obtain answers directly from AI, reducing reliance on traditional search links.
6. What Brands Need to Do Right Now
With a significant portion of users favoring AI chatbots and traditional search traffic projected to halve by 2028 - brands must act promptly. To maintain visibility in platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Siri, and Grok, it's essential to ensure that content is easily discoverable and recommended by these AI assistants.
Platforms such as AiClone.me’s Answer Engine Optimization technology can assist brands in staying visible in this evolving landscape - facilitating real-time updates and tracking AI mentions to secure early-market presence in the era of conversational search.
The Bottom Line
The paradigm of online search is shifting from traditional clicks to dynamic conversations. With 27% of users now bypassing conventional search engines, Apple's data indicating a decline in Safari searches, and Gartner's forecast of a 50%+ drop in organic search traffic by 2028, it's evident that AI chatbots represent the future of information retrieval. Brands that adapt and optimize for these platforms today will be the leaders in tomorrow's digital landscape.
Sources
New study reveals people are ditching Google for AI tools. Yahoo Tech, Mar. 2025.
Crestodina, Andy. Are AI Chatbots Replacing Search Engines? [New Research]. LinkedIn, May 2025.
Apple exec testifies AI may replace iPhone searches. Courthouse News Service, May 7, 2025.
Will search engine traffic really drop 25% by 2026? Search Engine Land, Jan. 2025.
AI in Marketing: How to Prepare for the Future of Search. Gartner, 2024.
Google’s Gemini AI app has 400M monthly active users. TechCrunch, May 20, 2025.
400 million and counting. TechCrunch, May 20, 2025.
Google offers 'AI mode' in 'total reimagining of search'. Financial Times, May 20, 2025.
Google unleashes 'AI Mode' in the next phase of its journey to change search. Associated Press, May 20, 2025.
Google to unveil AI upgrades at I/O conference amid search challenges. Reuters, May 20, 2025.
ChatGPT Statistics 2025 – DAU & MAU Data (Worldwide). DemandSage, May 19, 2025.