In October 2021, Google adopted the continuous scrolling feature for mobile users and towards the end of 2022, the feature was available for desktop users as well. As a result, users could scroll results on the web page without having to click the next button. But now, Google is making a U-turn on this feature. The Sundar Pichai-led tech giant is bringing an end to the continuous scrolling feature in its search results, reverting to the more traditional pagination system. This change will initially take effect on desktop browsers, with mobile devices set to follow in the coming months.
This decision marks a return to the classic format that allows users to navigate through search results by clicking "next" or selecting a specific page number. As mentioned already, continuous scrolling, a feature that has become ubiquitous across various platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, was adopted by Google in late 2022 for desktop searches. It allowed users to browse through search results without needing to click a "next" button, with pages loading automatically as they scrolled down. On mobile, this feature was introduced in October 2021. However, Google has decided to phase out this feature. This change will likely be welcomed by users who prefer a more structured and controlled browsing experience, especially when searching for specific information.
According to a report by Search Engine Land, Google aims to improve the speed and efficiency of delivering search results by discontinuing the continuous scrolling feature. By not preloading pages automatically, Google can prioritise and accelerate the results users are actively seeking. The company believes that the traditional pagination system will provide users with more control over the number of results they can view at once, enhancing the overall search experience.
The change is being implemented already and more and more users are expected to receive it in the coming days. With the familiar pagination bar reappearing at the bottom of the search results page, users will be able to navigate through pages by clicking "next" or selecting a specific page number. This method offers more control and a potentially faster search experience, as it allows users to quickly jump to a specific section of the search results without waiting for additional pages to load automatically.
For mobile users, the continuous scrolling feature will also be phased out in the coming months. Instead of automatically loading more results, users will need to tap a "more results" button at the bottom of the page to load further results. Google has not provided a specific timeline for this change on mobile, but it is expected to be rolled out gradually over the next few months.
The decision to end continuous scrolling comes after Google observed that the feature did not meet user expectations for loading more results quickly. By returning to the traditional pagination system, Google aims to enhance the speed and efficiency of its search results. As per the Search Engine Land report, the company is confident that this change will lead to a better user experience by providing faster access to the most relevant information.
In addition to these changes, Google's recent integration of Gemini AI in its Workspace apps, including Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Drive, may also influence the search experience. Announced at the I/O developers conference in May, Gemini AI aims to enhance productivity tools with advanced AI capabilities.
