Once upon a time, in 1998, two Stanford students revolutionized the way we navigate the internet by creating Google. If an innovative search engine, based on an automated peer review system, was a game-changer, especially for those struggling with less effective predecessors like AltaVista. Initially, Google lacked a business model, but by 2000, it had embraced “surveillance capitalism,” logging user activity to create targeted advertising. This shift marked the beginning of a phenomenon known as enshittification, where platforms prioritize profitability over user experience, ultimately leading to a decline in service quality.
Enshittification of Google
Google’s initial success was built on providing high-quality services to attract users. Over time, however, the focus shifted to serving business customers and maximizing shareholder profits. This transformation has led to a gradual deterioration in user experience. Despite this, Google remains the dominant search engine globally, thanks to user inertia and a lack of viable alternatives. “Googling” has become synonymous with online searching, reflecting Google’s entrenched position in the digital world.
Rise of ChatGPT and Threat to Google
the advent of ChatGPT and similar technologies threatens to disrupt Google’s monopoly. Unlike traditional search engines, chatbots like Perplexity.ai provide direct answers to user queries, bypassing the need for multiple clicks and reducing exposure to lucrative search ads. This shift in user behavior could significantly impact Google’s revenue model, which relies heavily on advertising.
Moreover, the proliferation of AI-generated content presents a new challenge. Google’s mission to organize and make accessible the world’s information becomes increasingly complex in a landscape flooded with humanlike AI content. The question arises: how can automated peer review separate valuable information from automated chaff?
Google’s New Approach: EAT – Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness
In response to see challenges, Google appears to be shifting its strategy. Vincent Schmalbach, a respected SEO expert, suggests that Google is no longer trying to index all the world’s information. Instead, it focuses on content that demonstrates expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness (EAT). This change means that Google will likely become more selective, indexing unique and authoritative content.
Schmalbach notes, “Google is no longer trying to index the entire web. It’s become extremely selective, refusing to index most content unless it meets specific criteria.” This approach could sideline even well-respected writers if their topics are deemed redundant.
Implications for Bangladesh’s Digital Economy
This shift in Google’s strategy has profound implications for Bangladesh. As one of the fastest-growing economies globally, Bangladesh’s digital landscape is burgeoning. However, the country’s digital content creators may find it increasingly challenging to gain visibility if if work does not meet Google’s new standards.
For Bangladeshi journalists, businesses, and digital marketers, understanding and adapting to Google’s EAT criteria will be crucial. Emphasizing unique, authoritative content will be key to maintaining visibility in search results. This transition also underscores the importance of diversifying digital strategies beyond Google, including leveraging social media and local platforms.
Table: Key Developments in Google’s Evolution
| Year | Event | Impact |
| 1998 | Google founded | Revolutionized internet search |
| 2000 | Shift to an ad-based revenue model | The rise of ChatGPT and similar technologies |
| 2023 | Rise of ChatGPT and similar technologies | Threatens Google’s search dominance |
| 2024 | Google adopts EAT criteria for indexing | Increased selectivity in content indexing |
Road Ahead
As Google navigates and changes, the digital community must remain agile and innovative. For Bangladesh, this means not only adapting to new search engine criteria but also fostering homegrown digital platforms that can thrive independently of global giants. Challenges are significant, but so are opportunities for those who can anticipate and adapt to the evolving digital landscape.
For more insights on the future of digital search and its implications, visit BBC’s report and follow updates on SEO strategies.
