Standby As Google Cannibalizes Itself (While Also Devouring All Of Us)

In 2023, I wrote about a provocative “what if”: What if Google added an AI chatbot to Search, effectively cannibalizing itself?

Fast-forward to 2025, and it’s no longer hypothetical.

With AI Overviews (AIOs) and AI Mode, Google has not only eaten into its own search product, but it has also taken a big bite out of publishers, too.

Cannibalization is usually framed as a risk. But in the right circumstances, it can be a growth driver-or even a survival tactic.

In today’s Memo, I’m revisiting product cannibalization through a fresh AI-era…