Musk claims AI will render search obsolete as Google Search share falls below 90%

Musk believes AI search could eclipse Google as its market share dips below 90%.

: Elon Musk suggested that AI technology could make traditional search engines like Google obsolete. This follows Google's market share dropping below 90% for the first time in a decade, plummeting to 89.34% by the end of 2024. Mario Nawfal of International Blockchain Consulting highlighted this decline on X, with Musk echoing that AI, particularly Grok, simplifies searches. While AI offers direct responses, challenges such as potential misinformation and increased AI advertising costs remain.

In late 2024, Google Search experienced a dip in its market share, falling below 90% for the first time in nearly a decade. The share dropped to 89.34% by the end of that year, according to StatCounter. The slight recovery seen in February 2025, which momentarily raised it to 90.15%, could not be sustained as the share fell again to 89.71%. This trend prompted discussions around alternative search technologies, specifically the rise of AI in search functionalities.

Elon Musk, a prominent figure in technology and AI advancements, commented on this scenario by suggesting that AI could render traditional search methods obsolete. His reaction was shared on X (formerly Twitter) where Mario Nawfal from the International Blockchain Consulting Group posted about Google's decline, stating, "Why dig through link farms when you can just Grok it and get straight to the point?" Musk agreed, saying, "AI will obviate search @grok."

The statement reflects Musk's support for AI tools like Grok that aim to provide more straightforward responses to user queries, bypassing extensive link-based searches typical of Google. Grok, a project linked to Musk's tech circle, keeps users informed by providing what is often perceived as more direct and relevant answers, thereby enhancing efficiency. However, the movement towards AI-driven search modalities also opens a debate on reliability and accuracy.

A common issue with AI-based search engines is their tendency to 'hallucinate' or provide inaccurate answers without fact-checking. AI responses can be shrouded in misinformation if not cross-verified with credible sources, which can pose risks to users relying solely on AI outputs for information. Thus, while AI search engines strive to simplify the process, they must overcome substantial hurdles regarding data accuracy and user trust.

Furthermore, as AI development demands significant investments, monetizing these technologies remains a challenge. Future AI search engines may feature advertisements as a revenue model, potentially compromising the purity of search results. As the landscape continues to evolve, the sustainability and objectivity of AI search engines in comparison to traditional methods like Google will likely remain a heated discussion.

Sources: Tom's Hardware, StatCounter, Elon Musk, X

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