How has the measurement of Authority evolved from traditional SEO to AEO?

In AEO, authority measurement has expanded beyond traditional backlinks to encompass brand mentions. Search engines, particularly Google, increasingly recognize that a brand's reputation and recognition, even without direct links, signify authority and trustworthiness. This means that mentions of your brand on reputable sites, in articles, or across the web contribute to your overall authority score. The other options are incorrect because: Authority is still very important; it's a core ranking factor. Authority does not rely only on social media; while social signals can play a role, they are not the sole determinant. While user engagement is a factor in ranking, authority is a broader concept that includes more than just engagement metrics.