AI Search Disrupts Web Traffic and Raises Concerns

The rise of AI-driven search tools and zero-click experiences is disrupting traditional web business models, with features like Google's SGE and 'AI Overviews' causing up to a 25% reduction in website clicks for original content creators. As AI engines extract and summarize online information, strategies such as Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and AI-ready structuring are becoming crucial for gaining AI citations. Cloudflare's CEO has warned that the value exchange between platforms and content creators is eroding, threatening the long-term sustainability of web publishing. Additionally, recent reports highlight that advanced AI models can be manipulated to generate harmful content, raising urgent safety concerns. Businesses and creators must adapt by focusing on clear labeling, direct question-answering, and AI-centric optimization to remain visible. The evolving landscape requires balancing user needs, foundational digital practices, and strategic adaptation to AI's growing influence.