Rethinking Search: How Google's SGE Shifts User Behaviour

In this thought-provoking episode, Mark A Preston and Kristine Schachinger delve into the complex realm of Google's Search Generated Engine (SGE) and its potential to revolutionise how we interact with search engines. Titled "Rethinking Search: How Google's SGE Shifts User Behaviour," the podcast offers a deep dive into the user behaviour changes prompted by the advent of conversational search.

As they strip away the technicalities of SEO, Mark and Kristine explore the broader implications of SGE on everyday search habits. They discuss the challenges users might face in adapting to a search environment that looks more like a "circus" than the familiar list of blue links. The duo considers how the shift to conversational search could fundamentally alter the way we look for information online.

Furthermore, the podcast addresses the trustworthiness of SGE, especially when it returns incorrect information. Kristine sheds light on the nuances of Google's consensus engine and its role in determining what appears in featured snippets and the SGE box. The conversation also touches on the potential for nation states to manipulate these models, raising concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the information served by SGE.

This episode is essential listening for SEO professionals, digital marketers, tech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the future of search and its impact on our online behaviour. Mark and Kristine's engaging discussion provides critical insights into how emerging technologies like SGE might reshape our trust and reliance on search engines.

Want to talk more about SEO? Continue the conversation on Bluesky, X or check out old episodes of Unscripted SEO by SEO Arcade