The 'offline' paradox of AI search: When Google uses algorithms to help you 'enjoy the real world'

According to Statcounter's July 2025 data, Google Search holds a 91.6% market share in global desktop search, with an even higher figure on mobile. Since the launch of Google AI Mode, average search session duration has increased by 18%, but the proportion of users actually visiting external websites has dropped by 12%. These numbers reveal an interesting contradiction: a feature touted to help you go "offline" and "experience the real world" keeps you glued to your screen longer, clicking fewer external links.