So, I have been noticing something odd with google search results the last few weeks. Results are coming back kinda...I don't know... "sterilized", for lack of a better term. When I search for something, I see a pattern of 5-12 stories or info resources that are listed over and over again. Then I noticed that old info, that I know I searched on months prior and read and saw, not even showing up... I don't know.... it's hard to put into words exactly. But it had me puzzled, something seems off.... Then I remembered this....
Google Develops System For Ranking ‘Trustworthiness’ Of Websites
And I think the "machine" is running full force and it makes me wonder what info I am not seeing, what info is being censored from the net. I guess it's time to ditch Google all together and try BING (which seems to be more open anyhow)or even Gogoduck (which I think is still backed by google search indexes, so I don't know if that will even help.)
Is anyone else noticing this, or is it just my google-fu getting weak?
view the rest of the comments →
TFP191 ago
Well it could be many things. Problem with Google is that it seeks relevance through interconnection. Meaning the more popular something gets the quicker results change.
Additionally, your browser may be storing your search habits or otherwise tailoring results to fit you. You can browse in incognito mode with Firefox. Using TOR or a VPN is even better.
hwong ago
wait, now, what? The browser is storing/caching search results????? I haven't heard this one before. There's a cache somewhere in mozzilla for storing this type of info? This could explain it I guess....
TFP191 ago
http://microarts.com/launchabrand/why-googles-search-results-vary-from-person-to-person/ There are doubtlessly other ways.
pitenius ago
check your google cookie... google watches your choices from their returns and then modifies their returns to be the most like the things you click. It can be really useful in some situations and an echo chamber in others.
hwong ago
Wow. I did not know this. Makes sense though, once I think about it. Good call. Thanks for the tip!