ChatGPT emerges as a search substitute and product-research tool

Some people have replaced large portions of their traditional search activity with ChatGPT, while chat-based interfaces could eventually displace much more of search. The extent and speed of any shift remain uncertain, and advertising revenue may lag behind changes in user behavior.

One account describes conducting recent commercial purchase research within ChatGPT and finding the experience better. The tool was used to favor products from companies with long operating histories—even at a 30% premium—over dropshipped products with unfamiliar names; paper towels and holders were cited as examples.