Googling Is For Old People: Here is Why

Googling is for old people. There, I said it.

Is Googling becoming a thing of the past? For younger generations, it just might be. While older users still rely on the world’s most popular search engine for answers, Gen Z and millennials are increasingly turning to platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Reddit for discovery.

A few days ago I was chatting with a ‘Gen Z’ friend and “unfortunately” I texted her “Ha ha ha” instead of using the laugh Emoji. Her reaction; ‘Please stop texting me like an old person.’ A few days prior I had asked another a question and she’d gone directly to tiktok to look for the meaning. All these got me thinking, well, maybe I’m old after all.

The Shift In Search Behaviour

While older generations still instinctively turn to Google for answers, younger users are embracing platforms that prioritize visuals, community interaction, and conversational engagement. For many, Googling feels outdated—a relic of a more static, one-dimensional internet.

Take TikTok, for example. What started as a platform for short, entertaining videos has transformed into a dynamic search engine for Gen Z. Whether they’re looking for travel tips, recipes, or even financial advice, young users prefer TikTok’s algorithmically curated, highly engaging content. The same is true for Instagram and Pinterest, which offer visually rich inspiration for lifestyle choices, fashion, and home decor. These platforms don’t just provide answers—they spark ideas and make the process of discovery fun.

It’s no wonder then Google struck a deal worth $60 million a year to use Reddit’s content to train its AI. Reddit’s discussion threads offer detailed answers from ‘real people’ with firsthand experiences, while YouTube’s video format is ideal for tutorials, reviews, and explainer content. For a generation raised on multimedia, these options feel far more relevant than Google’s text-heavy pages.

AI Assistants Vs Googling

While I still use Google, nowadays I find myself using AI assistants more and more. AI assistants have disrupted search and googling in ways we never imagined. Tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing AI and Perplexity offer something that traditional search engines cannot: personalized, conversational, and dynamic interactions that feel more like speaking to an expert than typing into a search bar.

Imagine you’re planning a trip within Kenya. Instead of going through pages of search results for “best places to visit in Naivasha” or “hidden gems in Watamu,” an AI assistant can create a custom itinerary based on your preferences—whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a foodie craving authentic coastal dishes, or traveling with kids looking for fun activities. It’s not just about providing information; it’s about tailoring that information to fit your unique needs, saving you time and effort while making your travel experience unforgettable.

Though Google is trying to catch up through its Google Assistant Gemini, the results are not as good as those of other Multi-Modal languages. In fact, Gemini is mostly hallucinating giving incorrect information. That said, the rise of AI as a go-to resource for information poses a serious challenge to traditional search engines. While Google is still a major player, its reliance on static links and ads feels increasingly outdated. The shift to AI-driven search is not just a technological evolution—it’s a transformation in how we interact with information itself.

For the younger generation, the question isn’t “Why not Google?” but rather, “Why bother?”

The Problem with Ads and Algorithms: Why Google Feels Outdated

Let’s be honest—Google isn’t what it used to be. For many people, searching for something as simple as “affordable smartphones in Nairobi” is very frustrating. The top results are rarely the most helpful but instead the ones that paid the most for visibility. It’s frustrating when you’re looking for genuine recommendations or unbiased advice, only to be bombarded with links that feel more like sales pitches than useful information.

Now contrast this with the experience on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or even YouTube. Their algorithms are designed to predict your needs before you even search. For instance, you might scroll through TikTok and stumble upon a local influencer reviewing the latest phone models or a post explaining where to find budget-friendly electronics in Eastleigh. These recommendations feel authentic because they come from real people with real experiences, not from businesses trying to sell you something. The magic lies in how these platforms use algorithms to understand your preferences and deliver highly relevant content, making the process of discovery feel natural and effortless. Compared to this, Google’s approach of forcing users to sift through ads and SEO-stuffed articles feels clunky and outdated—a tool of yesterday’s internet.

So are you still Googling?