Small independent sites get zero love from Google, because Google can now do everything it needs without them. It can rip their content, recombine it with AI, stuff in affiliate links and send traffic. In fact, not even the Goliaths are now safe from Google’s regurgitated content. The irony is is that it’s one big circle jerk. The only person getting screwed royally is: you.
Reviews are now circumspect at best, inaccurate to be sure; at worst, they are specious. Google is regurgitating this content, via AI. Would you prefer to buy gadgets from an AI algo that doesn’t even have fingers, never mind operate a device or receive the benefits of said device? No! Of course not.
While we often get advice from people who don’t use the products that we buy, at least they’re humans who can understand, empathize and do have real experience. They feel, they think, they communicate. Exactly how AI does any of these things is moot, because it’s just moving digits around to give the impression of feeling, thinking, communicating.
AI is like synthetic sugar: it is not sugar. It’s bad for our bodies and minds, but in ways we do not comprehend yet. I prefer sugar to substitutes. I’m sure you will, too.