During a recent interview at the New York Times DealBook Summit, Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, shared his vision for Google Search in 2025. He predicted major changes but struggled to address how these changes might affect content creators.
The Future of Google Search and AI
Pichai explained that Google is in the early stages of a significant shift in AI. He emphasized that Google leads AI research. The company’s innovations, particularly in transformers, have shaped the AI industry. Google plans to stay at the forefront of AI development.
“We’re just getting started,” Pichai said. “We’ve recently made breakthroughs, like creating 3D scenes from text and images. The future is bright.”
Google’s Dominance in AI and Search
When asked about Google’s initial dominance in AI and its competition, especially from OpenAI, Pichai defended Google’s position. He highlighted AI’s central role in improving Search, including the use of models like BERT, MUM, and multimodal search. These improvements have made Search more accurate. Now, AI powers over a billion searches daily.
Pichai emphasized that Google remains committed to preserving the “blue link economy” even as AI reshapes the search landscape.
Search Will Evolve Profoundly by 2025
Pichai predicted Search will change profoundly in the next few years. He acknowledged that the initial, simpler AI advancements are already made. Moving forward, Google will focus on refining algorithms to handle more complex queries.
“Making progress will be harder,” Pichai said. “But we’re ready for the challenge. The breakthroughs ahead will help Search handle tougher questions.”
The Growing Value of Search in an AI-Driven World
Some critics suggest that AI could replace Search. However, Pichai disagreed. He argued that Search will remain more valuable as the internet becomes flooded with low-quality content. In a world full of information, people will still need a reliable way to find trustworthy sources.
“As content grows, the need for authentic information increases,” Pichai said. “Search will help users find what matters most.”
Pichai Struggles to Address Content Creators’ Concerns
When asked about AI’s effect on content creators, Pichai seemed uncomfortable. The interviewer pointed out that AI can take content and redistribute it, potentially harming creators who rely on original work. Pichai defended Google, saying the company drives significant traffic to publishers. However, he avoided directly addressing how AI may devalue expert content in search results.
“We think carefully about the traffic we send to publishers,” Pichai said. “We’re committed to supporting the ecosystem and ensuring fair use.”
Conclusion: The Future of Google and the Search Landscape
Pichai’s vision for AI and Search offers an exciting outlook. However, his inability to directly address the challenges faced by content creators left some questions unresolved. As AI continues to evolve, Google will need to find a balance between innovation and the value of original content.
Watch the New York Times Interview here:
