My studies this week had me researching and learning about the ‘Google Generation.’ I have to admit that even though the Google Generation is everyone born after 1993...I fall into this gap. I am not much of a researcher, I like immediate feedback, and I would be categorized as being a horizontal searcher (meaning that I bounce from site to site). Wow, I hate to admit all of that, especially since I am the media specialist, but it is so true. My time is of the upmost importance because I am being pulled in every direction and my searching techniques follow suit. I will say that I do move past the dreaded page 1 of google search results, until I find what I am looking for. But, sometimes if I see that my search results do not appear on the first page I will change my search question to help find the information I am looking for. Also, I do what is called ‘squirreling’ I will always find free downloads instead of having to pay for entrance into sites.
I enjoyed learning about the Filter Bubble from Eli Pariser’s TED talk and the Duck Duck Go Escaping Your Search Engines Filter Bubble info-graphic. I have heard of the internet filtering your search results, and I have noticed it lately using the social networking site Facebook, but it was interesting to see how it all works. I know this sounds close minded, but sometimes I like that it filters my results. Because, it knows what I normally like and only shows me that type of search results first (meaning less of my time searching). But I do see why the filter bubble can be dangerous. I do like to know different viewpoints and standings on topics, especially during the election season. A strategy to use to try to unfilter your search results is to search different viewpoints and to try using one of the sites that do not filter (examples New York Times and Duck Duck Go).
--I feel like the whole argument with the ‘Google Generation’ is that students do not know how to properly search. It needs to be taught by the media specialists and reiterated in the classrooms.
Beth,
ReplyDeleteI think that in today's world our time is limited. We move at a quick pace, trying to get things done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Most people are quick to use their iPhones to look up answers on Google. It is hard to resist when the information is available to you. I also like the filter bubble because my internet is catered to me and my interests. I was wondering why all of those shopping sites kept appearing!
I never really thought of the filter bubble in the way you described. I guess it does make life easier by giving you information that interests you. However, I also agree that it could have adverse effects when you are searching for something and cannot find good results due to the filter. Thank you for making me think "out of the box".
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