How AI Is Shaping the Future of Search and Decision-Making
For decades, Google’s “I’m Feeling Lucky” button has been a quirky staple of internet culture, instantly whisking users to the top search result and bypassing the usual list of links. But in 2025, this iconic feature is being quietly overshadowed by a new force: artificial intelligence.
The Rise of AI Mode
Google is currently experimenting with replacing the “I’m Feeling Lucky” button with AI Mode. This chatbot-driven feature provides conversational answers and deeper insights instead of sending users straight to a webpage1249. This shift reflects a broader trend: search engines are moving from simple keyword matching to AI-powered interfaces that understand context, intent, and nuance8.
“Some users of Google Search are beginning to encounter the platform’s AI Mode chatbot during their searches. Reports indicate that Google is experimenting with different placements for the AI Mode tab. In some instances, it appears directly in the search bar next to the 'search by image' option, while in others, it has taken the place of the 'I’m Feeling Lucky' button.”4
While the classic button isn’t gone for everyone, its role is diminishing as AI features become more central to how we find information online124910.
Why This Change Matters
The original “I’m Feeling Lucky” button was about speed and serendipity—a leap of faith that the first result would be the right one. AI Mode, by contrast, offers personalised, context-aware answers and the opportunity for follow-up questions, making the search experience more interactive and tailored to individual needs1245.
This evolution is part of a larger movement: AI is transforming not only how we search, but also how we make decisions. As Zorina Alliata, an AI strategist, puts it, AI can help us achieve a “lucky future” by cutting through information overload and delivering the right guidance at the right 5. Whether you’re buying a car, choosing a healthcare provider, or researching a complex topic, AI can analyse vast data sets and surface the most relevant insights for you.
The Double-Edged Sword of AI Assistance
AI’s growing role in content creation and information retrieval isn’t without its trade-offs. Recent research shows that stories written with AI assistance are often more creative, engaging, and enjoyable, but may also lead to less varied content as algorithms tend to favour certain patterns and styles6. For users, this means a smoother, more “professional” experience—but potentially at the cost of diversity and unpredictability.
Libraries and academic institutions are also integrating AI tools into their services, offering enhanced search capabilities and personalised recommendations within subscription databases3. These tools promise better results by leveraging curated, high-quality content, reducing the risk of misinformation and irrelevant results.
A New Kind of Luck
In the age of AI, “feeling lucky” is being redefined. Instead of relying on chance, users can benefit from smarter, more adaptive systems that anticipate needs and offer precise answers5. The playful randomness of the old button is giving way to the calculated serendipity of AI. This shift could make us all a bit luckier, in the sense of being better informed and more empowered to make decisions.
As Google and other tech giants continue to experiment, the future of search—and what it means to be “lucky”—will be shaped by how AI balances personalisation, creativity, and diversity in the information we consume.
