> It seems like a recurring narrative is that this level of AI will disrupt Google and others, but why? Is it just because it will become easier to crest “shovelware” articles that will mess with uniqueness of pages, or a personal assistant type feature “Book me the best hotel in Phoenix” or something else?
Yes. And lots more.
Part of Google's competitive advantage is a combination of real and perceived barriers to entry. ChatGPT has stretched what people think it possible. The degree to which such futures are feasible may be relatively less important at this point, since the excitement alone will drive a lot of investment.
To horribly mix metaphors, Google wants everyone to think their resources, mindshare, talent pool, and track record create a huge moat, so to speak. They want everyone to think the stone walls are steep and the risk of storming the castle is just too high. But perhaps the emperor has no clothes? Maybe the castle doesn't need to be stormed? Castles are drafty. Who wants to live there anyway? Maybe drafty castles provide nice cooling for server farms? Perhaps castles will just become a tourist attraction as new architectures are developed. But I digress. Maybe this gives some ideas?