SEOs express widespread fear over Google's AI Mode rollout

Search engine optimization professionals are experiencing unprecedented anxiety about Google's upcoming AI Mode feature, with new poll data revealing that 45% of SEOs describe themselves as "scared out of their minds" about the technology's impact on their industry.

The findings emerged from research conducted by Joe Youngblood and analyzed by Barry Schwartz from Search Engine Roundtable in his May 30 video recap. The poll surveyed nearly 300 SEO professionals about their attitudes toward Google's AI-powered search transformation.

"Joe Youngblood did a poll on Twitter it had a little under 300 results but doesn't matter and the SEO community responded to that poll basically saying SEOs we SEOs are scared out of our minds for a when AI mode actually replaces Google search the future of Google search," Schwartz reported yesterday.

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Fear dominates professional sentiment surveys

The poll results paint a stark picture of industry apprehension about Google's AI integration. According to Schwartz's breakdown of the data, the fear significantly outweighs excitement among search marketing professionals.

"About 45% said they're scared out of mind only 15% they're excited the other like 35% said meh i'm not sure what that means and about 5% there said they're kind of okay with it," Schwartz detailed in his Friday morning analysis.

The three-to-one ratio of fearful to excited professionals suggests deep concerns about how AI Mode will reshape search engine optimization practices. The technology promises to provide conversational search experiences that could eliminate the need for users to click through to websites.

Despite acknowledging the widespread fear, Schwartz encouraged professionals to view the changes as opportunities for adaptation. "It's a big shift could be scared but you should also be excited so I think the results were accurate but again it's coming and be ready for it," he advised.

Search volatility compounds professional anxiety

The poll results coincide with significant ranking volatility that began May 28 and intensified through May 29. Schwartz confirmed the elevated activity levels across multiple tracking platforms.

"Google search ranking volatility has heated up we're seeing a lot of ranking volatility in the past day or so probably started around the 28th 29th and it got hot over like yesterday Thursday and it's even hotter today or maybe a little bit hotter today," Schwartz reported.

This timing amplifies SEO concerns as professionals witness both immediate ranking disruptions and prepare for longer-term AI integration. The combination creates uncertainty about both current campaign performance and future industry viability.

Google CEO faces criticism over publisher impact

The professional anxiety extends beyond SEO circles to broader publishing concerns. Schwartz highlighted a significant interview between The Verge's Nilay Patel and Google CEO Sundar Pichai that revealed tensions over AI's impact on web traffic.

"There's a great interview i definitely recommend you check it out at the Verge neil Patel from The Verge interviewed Sundar he does this the past three or four years now which is pretty good and he put a lot of pressure on Sundar about web publishing AI overviews AI mode and how it's sending less and less traffic to to publishers," Schwartz explained.

According to Schwartz's assessment, Pichai appeared disconnected from industry concerns during the discussion. "Sundar seems to be in the clouds like he's not actually understanding what's wrong or not believing that Google sending less traffic that will actually impact publishers and publishers making content," he observed.

Despite the criticism, Pichai made specific commitments about maintaining publisher traffic. Schwartz quoted the CEO directly: "He did commit saying 'We are committed to actually driving traffic to publishers.' He said 'You'll see more you'll see in five years from now that we're doing that.'"

However, Schwartz expressed skepticism about these promises, adding: "So we'll see I just I don't see it to be honest."

Limited data visibility increases professional uncertainty

Google's approach to AI Mode reporting in Search Console adds another layer of concern for SEO professionals. Schwartz explained the significant limitations planned for the new reporting feature.

"AI mode reporting will be coming to Google Search Console you're not going to be able to like dice and slice and say this is AI mode this is AI overviews this is core search this is whatever ai mode will be lumped into the web traffic data," he stated.

The lack of granular data visibility frustrates professionals who rely on detailed analytics for campaign optimization. According to Schwartz, "You won't be able to like break it out like you aren't able to break out AI overviews and you're not able to break out featured snippets but it is coming and you'll be able to see that data in search console during the roll out of AI mode."

John Mueller confirmed the feature timeline remains uncertain. "It's not live yet john Mueller confirmed late last Friday that it's not live yet in search console they will update the documentation when it is," Schwartz noted.

Indexing API problems reflect broader technical challenges

SEO professionals are reporting additional technical difficulties that compound their concerns about Google's platform changes. Schwartz detailed widespread complaints about Google's Indexing API functionality.

"SEOs are complaining about Google's live broadcasting schema structure data and the indexing API not working well so a lot of complaints about this like earlier on the week which is pretty interesting," he reported.

The problems may stem from widespread misuse of the API beyond its intended purposes. Schwartz explained John Mueller's recent warning about proper usage: "Stop using the indexing API for for unsupported content again it's only used should only be only be used for jobs listings and live broadcast and nothing more but a lot of SEOs use it for everything else."

Platform changes signal fundamental industry shift

Google's simultaneous implementation of AI features, ranking adjustments, and technical modifications suggests a comprehensive transformation of search functionality. The company has renamed Search Max to AI Max within its advertising console, reflecting strategic priorities.

"Google Ads is now replacing Search Max with AIMAX which we covered again google we saw signs that's been called SearchMax was coming out they actually renamed it to AIMAX and now within the actual Google Ads console where advertisers go they re finally renamed SearchMax to AIMAX," Schwartz reported.

Why SEO fear reflects legitimate industry concerns

The widespread anxiety among SEO professionals represents more than resistance to change. The poll results suggest recognition that AI Mode could fundamentally alter how users interact with search results, potentially reducing the value of traditional optimization techniques.

Current AI Overviews already demonstrate this shift by providing direct answers that may eliminate user motivation to visit source websites. When AI Mode expands these capabilities into conversational search experiences, the traffic reduction could accelerate significantly.

The 45% fear rate among professionals indicates understanding that their core value proposition—driving organic website traffic—faces potential disruption. However, the technology also creates new optimization opportunities for professionals who adapt quickly to AI-integrated search environments.

Organizations dependent on SEO-driven traffic should prepare for reduced click-through rates while developing strategies for inclusion in AI-generated responses. The transition period requires careful monitoring and strategic flexibility as Google continues refining its AI implementation.

Timeline

May 28-29, 2025: Google search ranking volatility begins and intensifies, compounding SEO anxiety

May 30, 2025: Barry Schwartz reports poll showing 45% of SEOs "scared out of mind" about AI Mode

Late May 2025: John Mueller confirms AI Mode reporting for Search Console not yet live

June 25, 2025: Google Merchant Center notifications migration deadline