If I Didn’t Know Better

I’d have thought I was using a different search engine…

I have been observing the evolution of Google search results pages following changes to their algorithm in the past year and more.

Google now offers an AI generated summary of information, relevant to your search query, followed by articles predominantly from retail businesses or chat sites. It’s certainly a long way from the Google of old which offered the best search results in any topic.

But my most recent search today has shocked me.

No AI generated text, just pages of adverts for a product I may like related to my query, followed by pages of articles from companies selling that product and not a technical article in sight.

How very sad.

It occurred to me I was witnessing one of those significant shifts in technology, real ‘times are a changing’ stuff, and not one for the better in my opinion.

Despite the cons of the internet, it has been a stalwart source of information at the touch of a button for much of my adult life. And while I treasure my books and always choose reputable sources, it’s demise will rob billions of people of quality, reliable information.

So, if there is an online resource you value, remember to visit them direct. Without your visits, clicks and purchases, they may not be around for much longer.