Is Google Shaping Our Biases?

home insemination Kit

By: Alex Thompson

One of my fondest memories is of my grandpa and his beloved encyclopedia. Dinnertime was never complete without him pulling it out to settle a debate or identify a bird that had landed in the yard. Sadly, those days are gone, largely because we now have Google. It’s pretty amazing how quickly we can access a vast array of information online, right at our fingertips!

However, while search engines have revolutionized information sharing, I’m concerned that they might also be influencing our perspectives in ways that my grandpa’s encyclopedia never could.

Recently, I decided to run an experiment. I typed in “Does something cause cancer?” into Google, trying out various seemingly absurd queries, like fruit, vegetables, exercise, and even happiness. To my surprise, the first page of results for each of these terms included at least one article claiming a link to cancer. It was eye-opening!

For instance, when I searched “Do vegetables cause cancer?”, the top result was a Daily Mail article titled “Eating Vegetables May Seriously Damage Your Health,” which claimed that veggies could be responsible for a cancer that affects thousands in Britain. On the flip side, searching “Do vegetables cure cancer?” led me to another Daily Mail article stating that a veggie-rich diet could reduce colon cancer risk by half. There’s even a website, “Kill or Cure?” that humorously highlights how the Daily Mail categorizes various items as both causing and preventing cancer—like fried food and tea! It shows how our search results can vary drastically based on the terms we use.

This variability can be problematic, especially since many of us turn to Google with questions framed as “Does A cause B?” or “Is there a link between X and Y?” This behavior can reinforce what psychologists call confirmation bias, where we only seek out information that supports our existing beliefs, ignoring anything that contradicts them. Thus, when I ask Google a question, I’m more likely to receive results that affirm my view rather than offering a well-rounded perspective.

Another aspect of concern is Google’s algorithm, which tailors results based on our previous searches and online behavior. This phenomenon, known as a “filter bubble,” keeps us confined to our own viewpoints, limiting our exposure to diverse information. For example, two individuals searching for “BP” might receive entirely different results—one about investment opportunities in British Petroleum and the other about the oil spill. Activists like Eli Pariser have criticized platforms like Google for narrowing our perspectives and preventing us from encountering challenging viewpoints.

So what can we do to ensure we’re getting a fair and unbiased representation of information in our search results?

Here are a few tips:

1. When seeking answers, try searching for both your question and its opposite. Instead of just asking, “Is X true?” also ask, “Is X false?” This strategy will help you see both sides. For example, if I only searched “Do vegetables cause cancer?”, I might leave with a skewed fear of my healthy diet. By also searching “Do vegetables cure cancer?”, I discovered evidence on both sides, with more credible sources supporting the health benefits of vegetables.
2. Don’t stop at the first few results on your search page; take a closer look at their sources. Searching for “Does X cause cancer?” will likely yield articles arguing for that link. Focus on the first twenty results and assess how reputable the sources are. Does the article reference studies, or is it just someone’s opinion? Investigate who conducted the studies and whether they support the article’s claims or offer a more nuanced view.
3. Consider using search engines that respect your privacy, like DuckDuckGo. They help you avoid the filter bubble effect. Regularly clearing your cookies, deleting your browser history, and using incognito mode can also help broaden your exposure to diverse information.

If you’re curious about whether Google might be shaping your views, a quick search with “Does Google bias your views?” can provide insights.

In summary, while Google offers incredible access to information, it’s essential to be mindful of how it can influence our biases. By diversifying our searches and assessing source credibility, we can work towards a more balanced understanding of the topics that matter to us.