{"id":2667,"date":"2026-02-02T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onlinepercentagecalculator.co.uk\/blog\/ai-is-not-the-only-threat-menacing-big-tech-the-economist\/"},"modified":"2026-03-03T00:28:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T00:28:24","slug":"ai-is-not-the-only-threat-menacing-big-tech-the-economist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onlinepercentagecalculator.co.uk\/blog\/ai-is-not-the-only-threat-menacing-big-tech-the-economist\/","title":{"rendered":"AI is not the only threat menacing big tech \u2013 The Economist"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Date:<\/strong> 2026\/02\/02 at 7:34 pm<\/p>\n

Are Meta and Google ads really recession\u2011proof?<\/p>\n

When the economy turns, one question always pops up in marketing meetings: \u201cAre our Meta and Google ads safe\u2026 or are they next on the chopping block?\u201d<\/p>\n

The honest answer: they\u2019re\u00a0resilient<\/strong>, not recession\u2011proof.<\/p>\n

In every downturn, ad budgets come under pressure. Brand campaigns, sponsorships, and experimental channels are often cut first. But performance\u2011driven platforms like Google and Meta tend to survive longer in the budget review, because they\u2019re measurable, flexible, and close to revenue.<\/p>\n

Why Google ads usually hold up better<\/h2>\n

Google Search often behaves like \u201cintent insurance\u201d during a recession. When a user types \u201cemergency plumber Birmingham\u201d or \u201cbuy running shoes online,\u201d they\u2019re signaling active demand. That intent makes it easier for CFOs and CMOs to justify keeping search budgets alive.<\/p>\n

Key advantages:<\/p>\n