Google’s AI Chatbots Cut Referral Traffic, Impact Search Teams, Push Publishers to Reddit

Google's shift from a traditional search engine to an AI-driven answers platform is causing a sharp decline in referral traffic to news websites. Chatbots powered by generative AI are replacing conventional Google searches, reducing the need for users to click on blue links that previously drove significant traffic to publishers. This decline in traffic is threatening the revenue models of news organizations that have long depended on Google referrals. Industry observers warn that as news publishers struggle or go out of business, Google may face challenges in sourcing quality content to fuel its AI programs. In response to the drop in search-driven traffic, publishers are increasingly leveraging alternative platforms such as Reddit to attract audiences. Meanwhile, Google continues to restructure its operations, particularly impacting its core Google Search teams, to maintain its competitive position in the AI race.