AI vs. Humans: Google Search Algorithm Update Wreaks Havoc on Smaller Websites

AI vs. Humans: Google Search Algorithm Update Wreaks Havoc on Smaller Websites

In a David vs. Goliath battle playing out across the digital landscape, smaller websites are struggling to survive in the face of Google's ever-changing search algorithm updates. These updates, while intended to elevate high-quality content, are inadvertently causing a decline in traffic for many smaller websites, leaving some questioning whether Google is inadvertently killing the internet. The Great Google Shakeup: How Algorithm Updates Left Many Websites Scrambling In September 2024, Google rolled out a significant update to its search algorithm, codenamed the "helpful content update." The update's stated goal was to prioritize content written by humans for humans, weeding out AI-generated articles and spam websites. Unfortunately, the update appears to have had unintended consequences. Many smaller websites, once thriving in the search results, saw their traffic plummet by as much as 90%. Brandon Saltalamacchia, owner of the popular handheld gaming website Retro Do…