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The growing habit of asking AI before Google
31st August, 2026 02:06 PM
For years, Google has been the natural starting point whenever Kenyans needed quick answers. Whether searching for a recipe, researching a topic, looking for directions or trying to understand something unfamiliar, the search engine has been part of everyday life.
But the way people look for information is changing.
Artificial intelligence tools are increasingly becoming part of the search process, with users turning to chatbots to ask questions directly instead of relying entirely on traditional search results.
From typing keywords to asking questions
One reason AI is gaining attention is the conversational experience it offers. Instead of typing several keywords and opening multiple websites, a user can ask an AI chatbot a complete question and receive an organised response. They can then ask follow-up questions, request a simpler explanation or ask for the information to be presented differently.
The trend is not necessarily about abandoning Google. Rather, people now have another option for finding and understanding information.
Research by Pew Research Center illustrates how quickly AI-generated answers have entered the search experience. Its analysis of browsing activity from March 2025 found that about six-in-ten respondents had conducted at least one Google search that produced an AI-generated summary.
AI is changing how people consume information
The shift is also visible in how people use AI search tools for everyday questions. A 2025 survey by consumer organisation Which? found that among people using AI search tools for personal purposes, 55 per cent used them to seek knowledge or advice, while 48 per cent used them for general information.
That suggests AI is moving beyond being viewed simply as a technology for coding or office work. For some users, it has become a convenient way to ask about ordinary subjects, explain unfamiliar concepts or explore ideas.
For younger internet users who are already comfortable communicating through chatbots, asking AI can feel more natural than scrolling through pages of search results.
Will AI replace Google?
AI can provide a quick explanation, but users still need to verify important information. Chatbots can produce inaccurate or incomplete answers, while search engines can help users locate original sources, official websites, news reports, maps and other material.
Pew Research Center also found that users were less likely to click traditional search results when an AI-generated summary appeared, showing how these summaries may already be changing browsing habits. Perhaps the future is not about choosing between AI and Google. It is about knowing when to ask AI, when to search, and when to do both.
