From Google to ChatGPT: Students are changing how they search for knowledge

A new study led by researchers at Bar-Ilan University suggests that the change is particularly noticeable when students look for explanations of physics concepts. The research found a decline in Google searches for physics topics, along with a similar decline in visits to related.

Researchers say the change reflects how students seek knowledge, not necessarily that they are learning less. Traditional online research often requires students to search for information across several websites, compare sources and piece together an explanation.

What Happened

AI tools offer a different experience by providing a direct, conversational response to a question. This could make finding information faster and more accessible, particularly for students who may struggle to identify reliable educational resources online.

• The study, published in Physical Review Physics Education Research, examined search activity across more than 20 countries between 2022 and 2025.

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Key Details

In countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, Google searches for many physics subjects remained comparatively stable. In several non-English-speaking countries, however, searches declined much more significantly.

• Instead of simply directing students toward information, future educational approaches may need to account for a world in which students can ask an AI system to explain, simplify or translate complex ideas instantly.

• As AI becomes increasingly integrated into education, teachers, universities and educational publishers may need to reconsider how learning resources are designed.

• The similar trends on Wikipedia suggest the change may reflect a wider shift in how students access information.

Why It Matters

A lot of the educational material available online has traditionally been produced in English, meaning students who speak other languages can face an additional barrier when trying to understand complex subjects. Generative AI could help reduce that barrier by providing explanations in.

• The research team used Google Trends to measure changes in search activity and examined Wikipedia page views in seven languages to see whether the pattern extended beyond Google.

• The findings offer an early look at how generative AI may be changing students’ everyday learning habits.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Open Access Government as more details emerge