Posted February 6Feb 6 comment_2658 People are adopting AI as a complement to classic search, not a full replacement, according to a new survey by digital marketing agency Higher Visibility: 71.5% reported using AI tools for search; 14% use them daily. 79.8% prefer Google or Microsoft Bing for general information searches. 20.2% have changed their primary search platform within the last year. Why we care. Classic search engines still dominate – but we also know it is becoming more challenging as Google click-through rates are declining. However, AI answer engines and tools, social media platforms (like Instagram and TikTok), and shopping platforms all play a role in today’s messy search landscape. AI search by generation. All generations are adopting AI search. However, usage varies: Gen Z (18-26): 82% have used AI search tools at least occasionally, and they favor social media for product discovery. Millennials (27-42): Balance traditional search and AI, with strong adoption for professional and educational queries. Gen X (43-58): 65% use AI occasionally, but strongly prefer traditional search engines. Baby Boomers (59-76): 45% used AI tools, but they remain the most loyal to traditional search. How people search in 2025. Different search platforms dominate depending on the types of queries: General information: Americans prefer classic search. Shopping searches: Initial product research: Google and Microsoft Bing. Direct product searches: Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Product comparisons and recommendations: AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Bard). Discovery-based shopping: Social platforms (TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest). Specialized product searches: Niche platforms (Etsy, eBay). Local business searches: Overall: Google Maps and Business Profiles. Restaurants and entertainment: Social media (Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor). Service-based businesses: Review sites (Yelp, TripAdvisor). About the data. HigherVisibility surveyed 1,500 Americans in January. Respondents were between the ages of 18 to 76 and represented a variety of income levels and educational backgrounds. The report. How People Search Today: A Study on Evolving Search Behaviors in 2025 View the full article
