Debunking the Prediction of a 25% Decline in Search Engine Traffic by 2026

Amidst the dynamic landscape of digital marketing, predictions often emerge regarding the future trajectory of online platforms and user behavior. One such forecast suggested a significant decline in search engine traffic by 25% by the year 2026. However, an examination of current trends reveals a different narrative, particularly concerning the exponential growth of digital audiences.

The data which shows the internet users worldwide is based on passive internet users. The truth is that the number of active internet users is very few in terms of all internet users. You might be wondering about this new terminology, so let me explain in detail:

Passive Internet Users – Passive internet users are those users who use Google just as a passing medium to search for other internet products or services like Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp and just move on those platforms.

Active Internet Users – Active Internet Users are those users who use Google as the final destination for their real needs and find alternative solutions given by Google.

Here are some Top Passive Google search Globally –

Ranking

Keyword

Global Search Volume

1

YouTube

1,300,000,000

2

Facebook

799,100,000

3

Whatsapp Web

542,700,000

4

Gmail

400,200,000

5

Instagram

368,300,000

6

Amazon

352,100,000

7

Yandex

177,600,000

8

Hotmail

172,200,000

9

Twitter

164,900,000

10

Yahoo

122,700,000

11

Whatsapp

116,800,000

12

Yahoo Mail

105,900,000

13

TikTok

73,200,000

14

Flipkart

69,300,000

15

LinkedIn

60,000,000

16

Facebook Login

58,100,000

Total =

4,883,100,000

So almost half of Google searches, 4.88 billion from 8.5 billion total searches, are Passive searches.The truth is that the Passive searches should decrease if we have really prudent digital audiences:

The current Passive search scenario shows that the audience is still not well-informed about using digital devices prudently. As half of the searches go through mobile so, these passive searches must decrease over time. There are two reasons behind this –

1 ) Audience Knowledge Graph

Mobile and the Internet are products of the 21st century, and most of the users are adults or middle-aged people. The new generation who is coming into the search pool has well awareness of the internet and mobile. So, the young audience would like to go directly to the particular websites or platform rather than searching it on Google.

2) Digital Device Innovation

Now it is time for Mobile Applications. The new generation of mobile users finds it more convenient to use the Mobile App of that particular product or service rather than searching for it on Google.

Both of these save time for prudent audiences, and it’s very natural in the digital world.

So, the study that shows that 25% search might decrease is actually the diminishing increment of the search volume. Because the searches that must not be on Google will find their particle way, and only real searches will remain with the search engine along with growing users. Another factor in increasing search users is the introduction of Generative AI in search engines. Search engines like Google and Bing have already tested for rolling out Generative AI in their search engine. If they do so, it will increase the overall quality of the search, which will further strengthen the audience’s confidence and trust in the search and pave the way for long-term growth.

So, the future forecast, which shows a decline in search, is wrong and is based on hypothetical data or based on passive internet users. Rather, search engines have huge potential for future growth.