The Rise of “Ask ChatGPT”: How Language Mirrors Our Digital Revolution
There’s a seismic shift happening in how we seek answers online, and you can hear it in our everyday conversations. Where “Google it” once dominated as shorthand for finding anything online, a new phrase is rapidly going mainstream: “ask ChatGPT.” This isn’t just about tools and technology—it’s about how our language evolves alongside cultural change.
From Search to Conversation
Historically, searching online meant entering keywords into Google and scanning through links. “Google it” became a verb, synonymous with instant knowledge. Now, with ChatGPT and other AI chatbots gaining ground, the way we interact with information looks different: we ask questions, get direct explanations, and even request creative tasks. In 2025, ChatGPT handles about 9% of all global digital queries—remarkable growth from near zero just two years ago. Among people under 25, that number is even higher, with teens and young adults turning to AI for homework help, research, and personalized recommendations.[firstpagesage +2]
Language: A Reflection of Change
Language adapts as technology shapes our routines. Just as “tweeting” and “Ubering” entered our vocabulary, now “ChatGPT it” or “ask ChatGPT” are becoming markers of how we communicate. These phrases reflect not just the adoption of new platforms, but a broader shift from transactional searching (“Find this website”) to conversational, context-rich interactions (“Explain quantum physics”). Data shows ChatGPT dominates creative and informational queries, while Google retains an edge for navigational and transactional searches.[growth-memo +1]
Why It Matters
• Depth Over Links: “Ask ChatGPT” suggests a desire for nuanced, personalized answers, rather than a list of websites.[firstpagesage]
• Changing Habits: As AI tools become more accessible, especially on desktop, professionals and students increasingly rely on chat-based search and research—not just web links.[firstpagesage]
• Generational Shift: Younger users set the tone, moving language (and expectations) toward immediacy and interactivity with machines.[growth-memo]
The Future: What’s Next for Our Lexicon?
As AI continues to reshape our digital experience, expect more language shifts that mirror new priorities. Phrases like “ChatGPT it,” “Gemini it,” or “ask the bot” could become as commonplace as Googling—or even replace it. Businesses and educators will need to adapt not just their tools, but how they speak to younger audiences.
Ultimately, every new phrase tells a story about who we are and how we want to engage with knowledge. “Google it” was about searching the web. “Ask ChatGPT” is about getting answers tailored for you.