Category: AI

With generative AI on the rise, winning mentions is now the key to online brand visibility

The silent shift: people are shopping through ChatGPT

We’re no longer just searching—we’re talking. More and more consumers are shopping by chatting with large language models like ChatGPT, forcing digital marketers to evolve. Say goodbye to SEO-only tactics and hello to a world where brand mentions, reputation, and AI-readable storytelling take center stage.

This trend is explored in depth in a Fortune article by Stuart Dyos, who highlights how generative AI is reshaping not only the way people shop, but also how brands must be discovered online.

SEO is no longer enough—it’s time for mention marketing

Traditional SEO optimized for Google’s ranking systems. But LLMs like ChatGPT operate differently: they extract answers from third-party content, forums, social media, and product reviews.

To appear in these AI-generated responses, your brand must be talked about positively, consistently, and authentically across the web.

ChatGPT and Amazon: the emerging duo

According to the Datos data reported by Dyos in Fortune, from October to January Amazon was the top domain referred by ChatGPT search results, accounting for 9.13% of all traffic. A clear signal that AI-assisted shopping is gaining traction.

Even if Google claims search traffic isn’t declining, proactive brands are already adjusting their strategies.

The new frontier: brand reputation in the AI age

Christine Wetzler put it best: “Credibility is being built outside your site now.” So what matters is not just your homepage, but also what people—and AI—say about you online.

As Lauren Petrullo warns, “If your company isn’t correctly represented, AI will fill in the blanks—often inaccurately.”

The solution: brand storytelling, not keyword stuffing

Today’s priority is to craft a consistent, engaging brand narrative. Companies like Hawke Media are teaming up with AI specialists like Gumshoe to simulate and analyze brand mentions in thousands of AI conversations. This is the new digital battleground.

Parental controls and educational promises meet growing fears over privacy and mental health risks for children. Gemini for kids may sound like progress, but the balance between educational support and safeguarding mental well-being is fragile. The AI-child relationship deserves a closer look — before it’s too late.

A kid-friendly AI?

Google has opened access to its Gemini chatbot to users under the age of 13, provided they are supervised through Family Link, the company’s parental control system. The move, aimed at expanding its user base, enters a delicate field filled with both educational potential and psychological hazards.

In an email to parents, Google claims Gemini will help children ask questions, get homework help, and invent stories. Parents will be notified at the child’s first login and can adjust or block access.

Red flags from researchers

Despite Google’s assurance of stronger filters, experts warn that kids may still encounter inappropriate content. Google advises against sharing sensitive data and reminds users that “Gemini is not human”.

According to Oxford psychologist Karen Mansfield, AI that mimics human behavior could impact children’s mental health more than social media. And Unicef warns that generative AI can mislead, confuse, or manipulate young minds.

An aggressive growth move?

Allowing kids to access Gemini is a clear attempt to boost adoption of Google’s AI tool, as Big Tech races for AI supremacy. But the consequences could be dire.

Common Sense Media reports that AI chatbots may encourage harmful behavior and worsen mental health issues. Meanwhile, Meta AI is already under scrutiny for sexually inappropriate conversations with minors.

Privacy laws in the spotlight

Google claims children’s data won’t be used to train AI models and that its move complies with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). But after previous fines for privacy violations, skepticism remains.

Digital Marketer Donato Paolino criticizes the move, arguing kids shouldn’t even have smartphones based on pediatric research highlighting their negative impact on healthy development.

Google AI Overview is more than just a new feature—it marks the definitive entry of generative AI into the search experience. Now officially launched in Italy and other European countries, this system is set to dramatically reshape how users access information and how content appears in search results.

In this article, we’ll explain what AI Overview is, how it works, the impact on SEO, and how marketers and content creators can adapt to this major shift.

Table of Contents

• AI Overview: what it is and why it’s transforming SEO
• How AI Overview works
• How Google selects content for AI Overviews
• The difference from snippets and traditional results
• SEO strategies must evolve
• How to get your content included in AI Overview
• Impacted industries: info sites and e-commerce
• When does AI Overview appear?
• A conversational future: Google AI Mode
• FAQ

AI Overview: what it is and why it’s transforming SEO

With the official launch of AI Overview in Italy and across Europe, Google marks a decisive shift in the evolution of online search. This isn’t just a new feature, but a structural integration of generative AI into the SERP. In simple terms, Google no longer just lists links based on relevance—it now generates synthetic answers by combining content from multiple sources into a ready-to-read summary, often enriched with multimedia elements.

For users, it’s a positive revolution: fewer clicks, less time spent, and faster answers. For professionals in digital marketing, content creation and SEO, it’s a paradigm shift that requires rethinking how organic visibility is achieved.

How AI Overview works

AI Overview relies on Google’s Gemini 2.0 language model to synthesize real-time information from multiple sources. The system uses a process called query fan-out, which breaks a question into subtopics, analyzes them separately, then recombines the insights into a structured answer. The output? A natural, original response with links, images, and graphs.

So when a user types a broad question like “how does metabolism work?”, instead of getting a list of links, they’ll see a well-structured summary covering different aspects of the topic drawn from reliable sources.

How Google selects content for AI Overviews

A frequent question among content creators is how content is selected for inclusion in AI Overviews. According to Google, no special action is needed from publishers. The system automatically evaluates if a generative response can help the user, especially for complex queries that require synthesis across multiple sources.

Links shown within AI Overviews are automatically chosen based on quality, reliability and topical relevance, not through manual tagging or special markup. These links help users explore further and discover content from publishers, creators, businesses, e-commerce platforms, and more.

Google also confirms that these links are logged in Search Console. Clicks, impressions, and positions from AI Overviews are included in standard performance reports. SEO professionals can track the impact of AI Overview traffic using existing tools.

If you don’t want your content to appear in AI Overviews, you can apply existing search preview controls, such as robots.txt or meta robots settings. However, Google emphasizes that browser extensions like Chrome plugins have no effect on how content appears in Overviews.

You can read Google’s official documentation on this topic at AI Overviews and your site.

The difference from snippets and traditional results

While featured snippets extract a short piece of text from one source, AI Overviews blend content from multiple sources into a custom-written, longer summary. This isn’t copy-paste—it’s real-time rewriting and reorganization by AI.

This also changes how organic traffic is distributed: many users find what they need within the Overview and don’t click on any links. The “zero-click search” trend becomes even more pronounced.

SEO strategies must evolve

According to Donato Paolino, SEO Specialist at Dopstart, “This is a bigger shift than the featured snippet introduction. It’s no longer about ranking; it’s about becoming the source chosen by AI.”

Paolino emphasizes that the SEO goal is now to thoroughly cover search intent, not just match keywords: “This is the era of conversational SEO.”

How to get your content included in AI Overview

You’ll need more than good writing. Your content should:

• Fully address user intent
• Use clear subheadings and logical structure
• Implement semantic markup and structured data
• Show experience and authority (EEAT principles)
• Cover multiple perspectives, not just single keywords

Superficial or overly technical pages are less likely to be selected.

Impacted industries: info sites and e-commerce

AI Overviews have a strong impact on informational queries like how-to guides, definitions, and tutorials. In these cases, users often find answers directly in the summary.

E-commerce is also affected, especially when relying on generic content. However, niche expertise and in-depth product analysis still attract clicks. Paolino confirms: “When users seek expert evaluation, they still visit trusted websites.”

When does AI Overview appear?

The feature is not shown for all searches. Google shows it only when:

• The query is complex or multifaceted
• Reliable sources are available
• The topic is not restricted (e.g., medical, finance, YMYL)

The rollout is gradual and ongoing. In Italy, it’s already active for many queries.

A conversational future: Google AI Mode

AI Overview is just the beginning. Google is also testing AI Mode, a more interactive experience that lets users ask follow-ups in a chatbot-like dialogue. The result is a new search paradigm that feels more natural and fluid.

We are entering a new era of real-time, visual, conversational search.

FAQ

1. What is Google AI Overview?
   A generative AI feature that summarizes answers directly in the SERP.
2. How does it work?
   It combines information from multiple sources and rewrites it into a readable summary.
3. How is it different from snippets?
   Snippets show one excerpt; AI Overviews synthesize multiple inputs.
4. How is content selected?
   Based on quality, structure, and topical relevance.
5. Is AI replacing traditional results?
   Not entirely, but it’s changing how users interact with SERPs.
6. Is AI Overview available in Italy?
   Yes, for many types of searches.
7. Which queries trigger Overviews?
   Complex, multifaceted queries—not simple or sensitive topics.
8. How should SEO change?
   Focus on content quality, structure, and complete coverage of search intent.
9. What industries are most affected?
   Informational content and e-commerce with general advice.
10. How can Dopstart help?
    We offer a free consultation to help you adapt your SEO strategy to AI-driven search.

Want to improve your visibility in AI Overviews?
Book a free SEO consultation with Dopstart. We’re here to guide your success in the future of search.

An interspecies communication breakthrough: Google develops an AI to decode dolphin vocalizations

A voice from the deep: how dolphins might speak through AI

DolphinGemma, Google’s ambitious new project, may become a turning point in how we understand animal communication. Created in collaboration with the Wild Dolphin Project (WDP), active since 1985, and the Georgia Institute of Technology, this innovation aims to decode and even generate dolphin vocalizations. The goal? To translate underwater sound into meaning and perhaps spark a real dialogue between humans and dolphins.

The project focuses on a specific community: the wild Atlantic spotted dolphins of the Bahamas. Years of underwater field research have produced a large archive of audio and video recordings linked to individual dolphins, revealing patterns like the signature whistles used by mothers and calves to reunite. Now, with the help of artificial intelligence, scientists are setting their sights even higher.

Inside DolphinGemma: high-performance audio AI

At the heart of DolphinGemma lies a powerful audio AI model, based on Google’s SoundStream tokenizer, designed to process and understand complex sound sequences. The model, which includes around 400 million parameters, has been trained on WDP’s vast acoustic database, one of the world’s richest resources on cetacean communication.

This AI technology can analyze the structure of dolphin vocalizations, detect repeating patterns, predict what sounds are likely to come next, and even generate new sounds that mimic real dolphin speech. It works similarly to language models for human communication, which anticipate words in a sentence—but this time, the aim is to build a shared vocabulary between species.

Interactive conversations: the challenge of the Chat system

Beyond decoding natural dolphin communication, the Wild Dolphin Project is also testing a bidirectional communication system for use in the ocean. This is where Chat (Cetacean Hearing Augmentation Telemetry)comes in—a submersible computer developed with Georgia Tech that emits synthetic whistles tied to objects dolphins enjoy, like sargassum or seagrass.

The hope is that dolphins will associate these sounds with specific objects and begin to imitate the whistles to “ask” for them, opening the door to meaningful interaction between species. If successful, this experiment could lead to the first real semantic exchange between humans and marine mammals.

An open source future for marine science

Google plans to release DolphinGemma as open source software this summer, allowing scientists worldwide to access the model and apply it to other dolphin species, such as bottlenose dolphins or spinner dolphins. This move could significantly accelerate research in the field of interspecies communication.

Ultimately, DolphinGemma is not just a technical feat—it’s a step toward empathy, connection, and mutual understanding between humans and the animal world. With its help, we might finally begin to understand the voices that have echoed through our oceans for millennia.

Flexclip  is an excellent solution for those who want to create quality videos quickly and easily. With its vast library of resources, intuitive tools and competitive prices, it is an indispensable tool for businesses, professionals and content creators. If you are looking for a software that combines simplicity and functionality, Flexclip is definitely worth a try.

And I tried it and here are my thoughts.

First of all here is my video made with Flexclip with the screen sharing feature

When it comes to creating quality video content, Flexclip stands out as one of the most versatile and user-friendly platforms on the market. Perfect for professionals, content creators, and even beginners, this online tool offers a range of features to make engaging videos without the need for advanced technical skills. Let’s find out together its main features and why it deserves your attention.

Table of Contents

• What is Flexclip?
• Main features
  • 1. Intuitive interface
  • 2. Rich library of resources
  • 3. Preset templates
  • 4. Advanced editing tools
  • 5. High-quality export
• Pros and Cons of Flexclip
  • Pro
  • Cons
• Chi dovrebbe usare Flexclip?

What is Flexclip?

Flexclip is a cloud-based video editing software that allows users to create promotional videos, tutorials, presentations, social media videos, and more. With a huge library of pre-made templates, you can create professional content in just a few clicks, customizing every aspect to suit your needs.

Main features

1. Intuitive interface

Flexclip stands out for its simple and clean interface, which allows anyone to start creating videos in minutes. The editing tools are well organized and easy to use, even for those who have never worked with video editing software.

2. Rich library of resources

The platform offers a vast library of stock videos, images, music, and fonts, making it easy to create visually appealing content. Each asset is available for commercial use, making it ideal for businesses and professionals.

3. Preset templates

Flexclip offers a selection of professional templates categorized by marketing, events, social media, and more. You can choose a template, quickly edit it, and adapt it to your style or message.

4. Advanced editing tools

Despite its simplicity, Flexclip offers advanced editing tools, including:

• Flexible timeline to manage scenes and clips.
• Add transition effects for a professional touch.
• Animated text tools, perfect for creating eye-catching titles.
• Logo and branding customization, essential for businesses.

5. High-quality export

Flexclip allows you to export videos in HD resolution up to 1080p, ensuring impeccable quality, whether for the web or for business presentations.

Pros and Cons of Flexclip

Pro

• Accessibility: It is completely browser-based, without the need to install software.
• Ease of use: Ideal even for beginners.
• Versatility: Suitable for different types of content.
• Competitive price: Available in a free version with basic features and accessible premium plans.

Cons

• Limited Advanced Features: Not suitable for complex projects such as professional video editing.
• Watermark in free version: Free exported videos include Flexclip logo.

Chi dovrebbe usare Flexclip?

Flexclip is perfect for:

• Small and medium-sized businesses who want to create promotional videos without relying on a professional.
• Social media managers who need fast and engaging content.
• Educators and trainers who want to create tutorials and presentations.
• Content creators who are looking for an easy-to-use tool for their projects.

What about you? Have you ever used Flexclip for your videos? Tell me about your experience in the form below!

From language learning to writing, AI offers useful tools to improve study effectiveness

Table of Contents

• Artificial Intelligence: an ally for modern study
  • Duolingo: Learning languages ​​the fun way
  • Khan Academy: Personalized Online Courses
  • Grammarly: improve your writing with AI
  • Quizlet: memorize content with interactive flashcards
  • Socratic by Google: solve step-by-step problems
  • Otter.ai: automatic transcriptions for lectures and discussions
  • Microsoft Learning Tools: support for dyslexia and reading difficulties
  • Wolfram Alpha: detailed answers to scientific questions
  • Coursera and edX: online courses from top universities
  • Mendeley: organize academic research
  • ChatterPix: create talking characters for creative learning
  • Brainly: group study and community support

Artificial Intelligence: an ally for modern study

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way students learn, providing innovative tools and personalized solutions. Let’s see which applications can support the learning process, adapting to the individual needs of each student.

Duolingo: Learning languages ​​the fun way

Duolingo is one of the most popular language learning apps. Thanks to AI, the app adapts lessons based on students’ abilities and progress, making learning more engaging through gamification. Lessons include listening, reading, writing, and speaking exercises, offering immediate feedback.

Khan Academy: Personalized Online Courses

Khan Academy is a free educational platform that, thanks to artificial intelligence, offers personalized exercises based on the progress of students. The lessons range from mathematics to science, helping to consolidate the areas that require more attention with targeted exercises.

Grammarly: improve your writing with AI

Grammarly is an AI-powered tool that provides real-time feedback on your grammar, spelling, and writing style. It helps make your writing clearer and more structured by identifying and correcting common error patterns.

Quizlet: memorize content with interactive flashcards

Quizlet uses AI to provide customized study sessions through interactive flashcards. The app offers questions of increasing difficulty as the user gains knowledge, facilitating memorization with practical games and quizzes.

Socratic by Google: solve step-by-step problems

Socratic, developed by Google, is an app that helps students solve math and science problems. Just a photo of the question is enough to receive detailed explanations and additional resources, ideal for those who want to understand concepts visually.

Otter.ai: automatic transcriptions for lectures and discussions

Otter.ai is an app that automatically transcribes voice conversations, separating the speech of the various interlocutors. This feature is particularly useful for recording lectures and group discussions, allowing students to concentrate without fear of missing important information.

Microsoft Learning Tools: support for dyslexia and reading difficulties

Microsoft Learning Tools offers tools such as immersive reading, useful for students with dyslexia or reading difficulties. Artificial intelligence automatically adjusts text size, contrast and voice to facilitate understanding and also supports translation into different languages.

Wolfram Alpha: detailed answers to scientific questions

Wolfram Alpha is an AI-powered knowledge engine that solves math and science problems, providing detailed answers and explanations. It is a useful tool for deepening the study of complex subjects.

Coursera and edX: online courses from top universities

Coursera and edX offer courses from the most prestigious universities. Thanks to AI, the platforms suggest courses based on students’ interests, allowing them to obtain certifications and advance their academic path.

Mendeley: organize academic research

Mendeley helps manage academic references and citations, making it easier to find articles and manage documents. This AI-powered tool is ideal for students engaged in research projects.

ChatterPix: create talking characters for creative learning

ChatterPix is ​​a creative learning app that allows students to create talking characters for presentations and projects. It is an interactive tool that stimulates creativity and makes learning more engaging.

Brainly: group study and community support

Brainly is an AI-based learning platform that allows students to ask and answer questions from other users. A valid support for getting help quickly and interactively directly from the community.

As you can see, artificial intelligence has opened up new possibilities for more effective and engaging study, improving various aspects of learning. From languages ​​to scientific subjects, from organization to creativity, AI is proving to be a precious ally for students of all ages.

AI is reshaping software development, with engineers now focusing on review and innovation.

AI now generates 25% of Google’s code
During Google’s Q3 2024 earnings call, CEO Sundar Pichai revealed a significant development: artificial intelligence (AI) now creates over a quarter of the new code at Google. This marks a turning point, with AI not just assisting but actively producing code. Engineers are now primarily focused on reviewing and enhancing AI-generated outputs, channeling their skills into complex problem-solving and innovation.

The evolving role of engineers
With an increased share of AI-generated code, Google engineers now spend more time overseeing and refining AI-generated work. This shift enables them to concentrate on high-level tasks and creative problem-solving, without being tied down by repetitive coding duties. For engineers, AI is less of a threat and more of a tool, allowing them to take on a more strategic role in development.

Impact on entry-level roles
While AI improves efficiency, it also raises questions about the future of entry-level coding roles. Junior developers may need to rethink their skillsets, adapting to an AI-driven environment by focusing on skills like guiding AI systems, validating AI outputs, and tackling complex issues.

Google’s AI-centric approach
Google’s use of AI in coding is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations. By merging research, security, and machine learning teams, Google aims to deploy models like Google Gemini faster and respond to technological changes more effectively.

The future of coding
Pichai’s announcement offers a look into a tech future where AI collaborates with engineers rather than replacing them. Engineers will maintain oversight of AI outputs, ensuring accuracy and quality while broadening their skills in machine learning.

As engineering roles evolve, new opportunities arise for tech enthusiasts. What are your thoughts on this shift? Share your opinion in the comment form below!