I’m revisiting the topic of The Free Web: End Utopia from recent weeks. I encourage you to check that post for more information. Today’s post is named: Goodbye Internet ?!
Introducing Google’s New AI Mode
Google will soon introduce its new AI mode in Italy. The rollout is currently happening across several countries.
Chrome browser already includes a simpler, less structured form called AI OVERVIEW. This pre-existing feature already affects users and content creators.
I want to expand on this topic beyond just photography. This widespread integration with Chrome will likely cause huge changes.
People will almost certainly use the Google search engine differently now. Other browsers already use web searches based solely on AI.
What AI Mode Means
AI Mode is a conversational search integrated into Google Search. It delivers answers generated by artificial intelligence.
It replaces the previous format of a simple list of links. The mode uses Gemini-type models (versions 2.0, 2.5).
These models process complex queries and generate detailed, contextual answers. They break down hard questions into smaller sub-questions. Will be really “Goodbye Internet ?!“.
From Search Engine to Answer Engine
Google now provides concise, structured answers, not just links. Their internal model evaluation produces these results.
Consequences of AI Mode
Ease of Use
This new mode is theoretically simple, convenient, and valid. You can quickly get data or delve into a subject.
Simpler, factual searches often yield more reliable results now. The answer to “How tall is Mount Everest?” won’t be wrong.
Quality of Responses
We must verify the response quality. My direct experience shows they are often flawed, incomplete, and inconsistent.
Complex, non-knowledge-based research requires verification now. Users must check multiple, specialized sources in detail.
Risks for Users
Users risk obtaining incomplete or even misleading information. Some answers might be completely unfounded.
Distinguishing between true, authentic news and false or fake news will become very difficult.
Risks for Content Creators
Users getting direct AI answers may click on original sites less often. This reduces traffic to blogs, newspapers, and personal pages.
Business Model Changes
Content creators will need to find new forms of financial support. Otherwise, they will disappear due to economic inconsistency.
Google uses web sources and must somehow compensate creators for their work. Economic unsustainability will gradually stop their activity.
The Free and Open Web (Goodbye Internet ?!)
Creators who want to remain must apply financial compensation forms. They will need to use subscriptions or memberships.
The web’s free nature, as we know it, will almost certainly disappear. Only those who can afford to pay will truly benefit from information.
The web will no longer be “FOR EVERYONE” but reserved for a paying segment of users.
Transparency Issues and Innovations
Transparency
It is not always clear which sources Google used to construct the answer. Users may not have a way to fully trace the data’s origin.
Are the sources certified, verified, or reliable ? The answer remains unclear to me; we must resolve and explore this issue further.
Expected Innovations
Google expects to introduce multimedia components like images and voice. They will also integrate AI with other Google tools.
This topic is not simple and cannot be summarized in a few paragraphs. AI’s evolution will certainly bring about radical changes. I will closely monitor these developments, seeking reliable sources.
