In 2026, 68% of Russian internet users trust AI-generated search results, compared to 43% in 2025. According to Faves Communications, this shift coincides with a 29% year-over-year decline in total website traffic across the Russian internet, while the monthly audience for Yandex's Alisa AI search feature grew by 18%.
The survey, conducted in October 2026 among 1,509 respondents, highlights that 35% of users rely on AI answers when they include links to authoritative sources. Another 22% trust AI due to its ability to process large datasets, and 11% believe AI is unbiased. Conversely, 19% of users remain skeptical, citing concerns over potential errors or misinterpretations.
Data from LiveInternet.ru shows that news and media websites experienced a significant decline, with views dropping by 44% and visitor numbers by 40% in September 2026 compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the number of users interacting with Alisa AI in search reached 54.8 million in the second quarter of 2026.
Currently, 89% of users rely on AI responses in search engines, up from 52% a year ago. While 43% find AI answers sufficient, 45% use them as a starting point for further research. Only 14% of users rarely click on source links, a sharp decrease from 43% in 2025, while 78% verify sources for critical information.
