New figures claim ChatGPT usage at 'all-time low' as "QuitGPT" movement dents popularity — with Gemini, Perplexity, and Copilot all stealing market share (www.techradar.com)

OpenAI's ChatGPT is reportedly experiencing its lowest referral market share since tracking began, now accounting for 76.85% of AI chatbot referrals, down from over 84% a year ago. This decline has been attributed to the rising popularity of competitors like Google’s Gemini, which has reached a new high of 9%, as well as Perplexity and Copilot, both recovering share after previous declines. The decline in ChatGPT's market share coincides with the emergence of the "QuitGPT" movement, fueled by user backlash against OpenAI's recent Pentagon deal, pushing users towards alternative platforms. The shift in market dynamics is significant for the AI/ML community as it indicates a changing landscape where no single player can maintain permanent dominance. Aodhan Cullen, CEO of Statcounter, noted that the AI chatbot market is entering a new competitive phase, with more than 23% of the referral market now held by challengers. For website owners and digital marketers, this fragmentation necessitates a strategic shift toward Generative Engine Optimization across multiple AI platforms, rather than relying solely on ChatGPT, to effectively capture and retain user engagement.