- Google's AI head suggests that Google AI mode will become the default experience for search engines.
- Another Google executive said users should not read much of the comments.
- The AI mode, which was released in South Africa last month, is optional at the time of writing.
Have you recently gone to Google to search for something and faced a pop-up message suggesting something called “AI mode”? If you were like us, you immediately said “No.” Because if you want to use ChatGpt, you just do it.
Unfortunately, this option of not using the new mode could soon be deprecated as Logan Kilpatrick, the lead product manager for all of Google's AI products, posted to social media that it will be the default Google search experience “soon.”
In a post from another user prompted by another user about creating a default mode (H/T search engine round table), Kilpatrick wrote “SOON:). Product leads also shared that users use mode by default if Google.com/AI creates a homepage instead.
Right away: )
– Logan Kilpatrick (@Officiallogank) September 5th, 2025
Despite comments from Kilpatrick, Google's vice president of product, Robby Stein told users, “Don't read this too much.” The company adds that “we are focused on making it easy to access AI modes for those who want it.”
For South Africans who are not familiar with AI modes, the company explained in August that “it will help users tackle complex multi-part questions in a deeper way that explores topics.”
South Africa is one of the three African countries where Google.com received the AI mode update, alongside Kenya, the three largest English-speaking digital native countries on Nigeria and the continent.
The reason why users prefer to use AI mode compared to regular Google search is, “AI mode is especially useful for longer and more detailed queries.”
“This allows you to dive deep into the web and discover hyper-releven content. What's more, the AI mode is designed to be truly multimodal, allowing users to interact in the most natural way, whether using text, audio or images.”
Despite Kilpatrick's tongue posting, the possibility that AI mode will become the default will have a devastating impact on ClearNet and information websites where users' click-throughs require users' click-throughs to generate revenue.
Only websites that require user action, such as online shops and social media, survived the AI fuel clog, and a large number of blogs suddenly became obsolete. This is clearly why Stein felt he should say something, just as other users suddenly became worried.
For Google, it's stupid not to make AI mode the default search experience on your site. This means direct competition with Openai's ChatGpt, which the company has been chasing since late 2022. ChatGpt already has 700 million users per month.
Officially, the company says that AI modes aren't that bad for the internet.
“Google continues to be committed to supporting open web and ensuring that AI-powered features are rooted in the core quality and ranking system. In AI mode, web links are visible and easy for users to click and discover more.”
