According to media experts, Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are disrupting traditional web traffic patterns, significantly reducing clicks to news sites and threatening their ad-based revenue models.
A Pew study found users are half as likely to click on news links when AI-generated summaries appear in search results, compounding the crisis for already struggling publishers.
While some outlets are exploring Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and licensing deals, many face a dilemma: blocking AI crawlers protects content but limits exposure.
Legal battles, such as The New York Times’ lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, underscore the high stakes in ensuring fair compensation for original journalism.
As more young readers turn to AI for news, concerns grow over source credibility and the sustainability of journalism in an AI-dominated digital landscape.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 5, 2025
