By: Emily Stokes
Updated: Aug. 8, 2016
Originally Published: Oct. 9, 2014
I fondly recall my grandpa and his unwavering love for his trusty encyclopedia. It was a common sight at our dinner table—him pulling it out to settle any debate or answer our burning questions. These days, the encyclopedia is a relic of the past, replaced by the instant gratification of Google. With just a few keystrokes, we can access a vast array of information from around the globe. It’s truly remarkable!
However, there’s a growing concern that Google might be influencing our perspectives in ways that my grandpa’s beloved encyclopedia simply could not.
Curious about this, I conducted a little experiment. I typed “Does [thing] cause cancer?” into Google, swapping out things like fruit, veggies, exercise, and even happiness. To my surprise, the first page of results for each query included at least one article claiming a link between these seemingly harmless things and cancer. Yep, that’s right—fruit, veggies, exercise, and happiness all made the cut!
Now, here’s where it gets a bit absurd: when I searched “Do vegetables cause cancer?” the top result was a Daily Mail article boldly stating, “Eating Vegetables May Seriously Damage Your Health.” Then, I flipped the script and searched “Do vegetables cure cancer?” and guess what? Another Daily Mail article popped up, suggesting that a veggie-rich diet might actually cut my colon cancer risk in half! There’s even a cheeky website named “Kill or Cure?” that shows how the Daily Mail classifies various items as both cancer culprits and cancer fighters. It’s like a game of dietary roulette!
The contradictory information we encounter is largely driven by the search terms we use. This raises a red flag, especially considering how many of us rely on Google for answers. Often, we ask questions like, “Does A cause B?” or “Is there a relationship between X and Y?” This behavior can lead to what psychologists term confirmation bias, where we only seek out evidence that reinforces our beliefs while ignoring conflicting information. Consequently, our existing views become more entrenched. When I use Google, it’s far more likely to present me with sources affirming my query rather than offering a well-rounded perspective.
But wait, there’s more! Google’s clever algorithm tailors content based on our previous searches and online behavior, which can create what internet activist Eli Pariser calls a “filter bubble.” This means we can become ensnared in a bubble that shields us from challenges to our worldview. For instance, two people might search for “BP” on Google—one receives investment info for British Petroleum, while the other is served details on the oil spill. Talk about a dramatic difference!
How to Ensure an Unbiased View
So, how can you ensure you’re getting an unbiased view of the world through your search engine and escape that pesky filter bubble? Here are some helpful tips:
- Broaden Your Queries: If you want to know the answer to a question, try searching for both sides. Ask not just, “Is X true?” but also, “Is X false?” This approach helps you see the entire landscape. For example, searching both “Do vegetables cause cancer?” and “Do vegetables cure cancer?” opened my eyes to a wealth of reputable sources backing the health benefits of veggies.
- Dig Deeper into Sources: Don’t just rely on the first few results. The nature of queries like “Does X cause cancer?” means there’s likely some article claiming it does. If you focus solely on that, you might miss the bigger picture. Instead, look through the first twenty results, checking the credibility of the sources. Does the article reference any studies, or is it merely one person’s opinion? Who conducted the research? Are the findings as straightforward as claimed, or is there nuance?
- Consider Alternative Search Engines: Use search engines like DuckDuckGo that don’t track your information. This not only respects your privacy but also helps avoid the filter bubble issue we’ve discussed. Other ways to combat filter bubbles include regularly deleting your cookies, clearing your browser history, and using incognito mode.
If you’re curious about whether Google is skewing your perspective, a simple search for “Does Google bias your views?” will get you started.
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Summary
Google, while immensely useful, can inadvertently shape our biases through the information it presents and the filters it employs. By being mindful of our search strategies and exploring diverse sources, we can break free from these biases and gain a fuller understanding of the world.