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How we search for information online has dramatically changed, with 58% of consumers now using artificial intelligence for product or service recommendations, including when evaluating vendors. That’s twice as many as in 2023, and analysts forecast that by 2026, one in four searches will flow through AI chatbots.

At a Glance:

58% of consumers now use AI for recommendations, doubling since 2023

PR boosts credibility as AI prioritizes trusted third-party sources

Earned media drives up to 95% of links cited in AI-generated answers

Consistent press coverage is key as AI models train on months-old data

That shift matters for brands and the executives who lead them. We no longer search “best CPA Boise,” but describe the kind of financial struggles we might

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