How AI Is Replacing Search Engines
...And Why That’s a Good Thing
For most of us, “just Google it” has been the default solution for nearly everything. From planning trips to troubleshooting gadgets to looking up recipes, the search bar has been our trusty companion for over two decades.
But if you’ve used AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity lately, you may have noticed something: you’re Googling less.
And that shift is bigger than it might seem.
The Problem With Search Engines
Traditional search engines are great at one thing: giving you options. Type in a question, and you’ll get millions of results in a fraction of a second.
But here’s the catch:
You’re not really getting answers. You’re getting links.
Ads often crowd the top of the page.
You may have to scroll through multiple websites before finding what you need.
Results can feel cluttered, overwhelming, or even contradictory.
For people who grew up before the internet, or those who simply don’t want to dig through pages of content, this process can be frustrating.
How AI Changes the Game
AI tools flip the script. Instead of showing you a long list of sources, they give you a direct answer.
Ask: “What’s the best way to get from Rome to Florence by train?”
Search engines: dozens of travel blogs, timetables, and ads.
AI: “Take the high-speed Frecciarossa train from Roma Termini to Firenze SMN. The trip takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and tickets cost €30–€50 if booked in advance.”
Ask: “What’s the difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA?”
Search engines: finance sites with pop-ups and jargon.
AI: a simple side-by-side explanation, in plain English.
Ask: “Can you explain inflation to me like I’m 10?”
Search engines: economic reports and Wikipedia pages.
AI: “Imagine you get $10 for allowance, and candy costs $1. One day, the store raises candy prices to $2. Your allowance didn’t go up, but the candy costs more. That’s inflation.”
AI doesn’t just provide facts—it tailors the information to you.
Why This Matters (Especially for Everyday People)
This isn’t just about convenience. It’s about accessibility.
Many people—especially older adults—find the internet overwhelming. Too many tabs, too much clutter, too many ads. AI simplifies the experience. You ask. It answers.
For non-technical people, this is liberating. No need to know which websites to trust, how to phrase a “perfect” Google query, or which link to click. AI tools do the heavy lifting.
Will Google Disappear?
Not tomorrow. Google has its own AI projects (like Gemini), and search engines still serve important roles for things like shopping, news, and research.
But the way we think about “search” is evolving. Instead of browsing, we’re starting to converse. Instead of links, we’re getting insights.
In other words: the future of search isn’t a search bar. It’s a chat box.
Where This Is All Heading
Imagine a not-so-distant future where:
You ask your phone, “What’s a good three-day itinerary for Tokyo in October?” and it not only suggests one, but books your hotels and train passes.
You ask, “What can I make for dinner with chicken, spinach, and pasta?” and your AI orders missing ingredients from your local grocery store.
You ask, “What’s happening in my town this weekend?” and AI builds you a personalized calendar of events, tailored to your interests.
We’re moving from searching to solving.
A Conversation, Not a Search
This shift is profound, and it’s one of the reasons AI feels so exciting—and a little intimidating. The tools we use are no longer passive indexes of the internet. They’re conversational partners that help us cut through the noise.
And if that means fewer hours wasted scrolling through endless pages of links, I’d call that progress.
Want to Dive Deeper?
I just released an episode of my new podcast, AI for Everyone, all about this very topic: “How AI Replaces the Need for Search Engines.”
In it, I break down real-world examples and show how these tools can make your life easier—especially if you’re not techy.
🎧 Watch and listen here:
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by Google (or just curious about what’s next), this episode is a great place to start.
Great stuff, Joel. I think the 50+ crowd will get more comfortable with AI as they realize, as you pointed out, that everday conversational skills will take you a long way with AI -- which makes it more fun. Prompt engineering chops isn't really a must have.