The AI Diary: Why ChatGPT Is Becoming The Next Facebook

Jan 7, 2026

Many people think ChatGPT is the next Google.

It seems obvious. We used to “Google it”, now we “ask ChatGPT”. It is the fastest product in history to reach 100 million users, and for most of us, it has replaced the search engines.

But behind the scenes, OpenAI isn’t building a better search engine. They are building the next social platform.

The Economics Are Broken

Google has the best business model in history.

It costs them 0.3 cents to run a search query. They show you ads, you click, they make money. It is a money-printing machine.

ChatGPT is different. It costs an estimated 4 cents per query to run. That is 13x more expensive than Google.

If OpenAI tried to match Google’s search volume today, they would burn through their entire funding in months. They cannot afford to be a free search engine supported by ads. They need a model that justifies the cost.

Engagement Over Utility

Google’s design philosophy is simple: Get in, get out.

They want you to find the answer to your question and leave their site in seconds. They measure success by how fast they can send you away.

ChatGPT’s philosophy is the opposite: Stay and chat. They do that by providing:

• Memory features that remember your personal information.
• Voice mode that laughs and sounds like a friend.
• Group chats where you can invite friends to talk with AI.

These aren’t search features. They are social engagement features. OpenAI is optimizing for time-on-site, just like Facebook and Instagram.

The Distribution War

Google owns the tracks the train runs on.

For example, they own Chrome (occupying 63% of installed browsers) and Android (70% of phones). They control distribution.

OpenAI is just an app. They are “paying rent” to Microsoft for servers and relying on Apple and Google to reach users. That is a dangerous place to be.

This explains their recent moves:

• The Atlas Browser: OpenAI is launching its own web browser to control how you access the internet.
• Hardware: They spent $6.5 billion to acquire Jony Ive’s startup to build an AI device.

The Social Pivot

The signs are everywhere.

Sora isn’t just a video tool; it’s a TikTok-style feed for AI content. Group Chats turn the solitary AI experience into a social one.

OpenAI realized they cannot beat Google at the low-margin search game. So they are pivoting to the high-engagement social game.

They aren’t trying to organize the world’s information anymore. They are trying to organize your digital life.

The Takeaway

Don’t look for the next Google Search. Look for the next Social Network. The transition from “search engine” to “companion” is already happening, and it will change how we interact with the internet.