Adobe Survey Says It's ON : Google vs ChatGPT

Brett Tabkeon

While watching the arrival of "AI" on to the tech scene, it sure seemed like many in the tech press were trying to gin up controversy between OpenAI and Google just for the sport of it. While those of us in tech realize the power of the new LLM models, we also know that Google aint going no where - they are a beast of a tech company! So when a new survey from Adobe came out last week, it put us back-on-our-heels a bit. While only 1000 people were surveyed, it makes a strong case that yes indeed people are using ChatGPT as a primary search engine.

According to and Adobe’s survey of 1,000 U.S. users (800 consumers, 200 marketers/business owners), 77% of Americans now use ChatGPT as a search engine - and nearly 24% say they default to it instead of Google! That’s a seismic shift: Gen X leads with a staggering 80% adoption, followed by Gen Z at 77%, Millennials at 75%, and Boomers at 74%.

STATS

  • 30% of users trust ChatGPT more than classic search engines
  • A third of users (36%) report discovering new products or brands via ChatGPT—especially Gen Z (47%) and Gen X (37%)
  • 54% choose ChatGPT to summarize complex topics quickly.
  • 33% appreciate fewer clicks to answers.
  • A commanding 81% turn to ChatGPT for open‑ended, creative questions
  • 77% feel its results are more personalized than Google’s

28% indicatie that they now initiate their searches using ChatGPT rather than Google

  • 47% of U.S. marketers and business owners already use ChatGPT to create product descriptions, social media copy, and blog posts
  • A full 67% plan to increase investment in AI visibility during 2025, while 76% say being discoverable by ChatGPT is now essential
  • Data-driven insights and how‑to guides dominate, with 57% and 51% success rate respectively



For SEO's, Adobe's research illustrates a distinct trend: the manner in which individuals conduct searches is rapidly evolving! ChatGPT is not merely a passing trend - it is increasingly becoming the initial resource for a rising number of users, particularly among younger age groups. Specifically, Gen Z is at the forefront of this transition, with 28% indicating that they now initiate their searches using ChatGPT rather than Google. This statistic alone warrants attention. What was once considered unimaginable—rivaling the leading search engine in the world—is now a reality, and it is not merely theoretical. This is now no longer just theory - it is quantifiable.

The traffic gains aren’t limited to a few niches either. Travel sites saw a 1,700% surge in AI-driven traffic. Financial services jumped a staggering 1,200%. These aren’t subtle folks - this is real world. And they suggest that AI-based search isn’t a flash in the pan—it’s a structural shift in how people explore, evaluate, and engage with content online. (no wonder Google has been in such a panic)