Are we creating content for google instead of people?

yeah, alot of pages are optimized for google but useless for the person searching. i usually check serp, reddit/forums and gsc queries first, then write the page around the real question. keywords help, but intent is what keeps people there.

Yes, understanding user intent is more important than ever because search engines reward content that genuinely solves the user's problem, not just pages filled with keywords. I usually analyze the top-ranking results, related searches, and common questions to create content that matches what people are actually looking for.

User intent has to come first, but I still see basic SEO as the map that helps people find the page. I usually check autocomplete and forum questions, then make sure the article answers those questions clearly without stuffing keywords in just because a tool suggested them.