From ‘Just Google It!’ to ChatGPT The New Era of Finding Answers

On July 26, 2024, I wrote an article questioning whether Google’s reign as the dominant search engine was coming to an end. Now, as I sit here on September 27, 2024, reflecting on my daily routine, I can say with certainty that my search habits have changed—and it feels like we’re witnessing a significant shift.

For most of my 24 years in IT, Google was second nature. It was the go-to for everything, from quick questions to deep research. But lately, my experience with Google has felt more like navigating a labyrinth of web ads and distractions rather than finding useful information. Ads, irrelevant results, and SEO-optimized content that misses the mark are making it harder and harder to simply find answers. It’s no longer the fast, reliable tool we grew up with.

Today, things are different for me. I still instinctively turn to Google for some things, but I’ve woven AI, especially tools like ChatGPT, into my regular routine. It wasn’t some grand realization or a sudden "aha" moment—it was gradual. I found myself getting better, quicker responses from AI-powered tools, and before I knew it, using them had become part of my everyday process. I adapted because I had to, and honestly, because it made sense.

Take today, for example. As a baseball fan, I wanted to know how many games were left before the MLB playoffs. Google didn’t give me a straightforward answer. Instead, I was met with the usual flood of ads, promotions, and irrelevant links. So, out of habit, I shifted to ChatGPT, and in seconds, I had the answer I needed. This has become my new norm: adapting my search process to include AI because it’s faster and cuts through the noise.

It’s not just about saving time. I work in AI, and I believe in it. I’ve incorporated it into how I create, how I solve problems, and how I think. It’s not just a tool; it’s part of the way I proof and refine everything I do. But what’s important here—and this is something I talk about in my other articles—is that we need to approach AI responsibly. Just because AI can do things faster doesn’t mean we should let it replace critical thinking. We still need leaders to lead, and we need people to adapt these tools thoughtfully.

This isn’t about replacing Google or traditional search engines entirely, at least not yet. It’s about evolving. AI isn’t a shortcut; it’s a tool that needs to be wielded carefully and responsibly. As professionals, we need to recognize that the tools we use, whether it’s AI or something else, should enhance our process, not define it. We have to be vigilant about how we integrate them, ensuring that they complement, rather than control, our work.

The shift isn’t about abandoning what we’ve always known; it’s about adapting to what’s in front of us. AI is here, and it’s making our workflows more efficient, but it’s still up to us to lead the way. If anything, AI has shown me that we have to be proactive in evolving how we work. The future of search and productivity will rely on how we blend these technologies into our toolsets, thoughtfully and responsibly. This is where leadership comes into play—ensuring that we aren’t just adopting new tools, but that we’re using them in a way that promotes growth, responsibility, and critical thinking.

We need to embrace this change, but we also need to lead it. AI is here to stay, but how we integrate it will determine its true value.

About the Author

Brian Kaminsky is an IT support specialist and AI consultant who helps business leaders harness the power of AI while keeping ethics and human values at the core. Committed to mentoring the NextGen Workforce and Business Leaders in AI, Brian ensures that professionals not only master cutting-edge technology but also develop the leadership skills needed in an AI-driven world. He envisions a future where AI enhances business without compromising empathy and collaboration

Link to previous article referenced above: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/googles-era-ending-brian-kaminsky-ondkc/?trackingId=LikDOkcoNVoQzwZgHoy1Iw%3D%3D