Google introduces AI-based search mode

During its I/O 2026 conference, Google introduced a new search mode based on artificial intelligence, referred to as "AI Mode." This feature allows users to ask questions directly in the search engine and receive answers generated by Gemini, which synthesizes information from various websites.

Concerns about website traffic

The introduction of this feature has raised concerns among web actors about a potential significant decrease in traffic to these websites. To address these concerns, Google emphasized that its answers include links to the sources used.

Reddit CEO criticizes AI Mode

However, this measure appears insufficient for Steve Huffman, the CEO of Reddit. During a conference call discussing the company's financial results, Huffman revealed that in October, traffic from Google search had "decreased by more than a million visits on average per week."

AI Mode's impact on traffic

He attributes this decline directly to AI-generated previews, according to The Verge. Huffman asserts that the AI Mode does not generate traffic, neither for Reddit nor for anyone else, as far as he knows. He also states that the feature has evolved since its launch, now relegating links to sources to the very bottom of the page.

Indexing issues for non-English content

Huffman estimates that Reddit content translated into other languages is less well indexed than their English equivalents in Google search results. This situation could hinder the platform's development internationally, outside the United States.

Reddit's strategy to boost traffic

Huffman specifies that the search engine continues to index Reddit content as actively as before. To address this situation, Reddit intends to make its platform a "direct, unavoidable, and daily destination." To achieve this, its CEO wants to require internet users to log in to access the site's content.

Additional measures to improve security and advertising

This strategy, according to Huffman, would strengthen Reddit's advertising activity while improving data security. Additionally, Reddit removes certain functions in the name of the fight against AI bots.