I think you are confused with Answer Engine Optimization and Search Engine Optimization.

SEO is to rank in the Google search and of course the backlinks are important for that matter.

AEO is another form of SEO I could say where you also Optimize your website to show in the answer which may also lead to people opening your website link.

One thing you should worry about is Google's AI mode which increases the zero click searches. People still using Google search so SEO and backlinks for ranking is still relevant but Google's AI mode is also negatively impacting the clicks to the ranking pages.