Investigating Google's Search Engine: Ethics, Algorithms, and the Machines Built to Read Us

Search engines have a significant impact on digital culture, shaping how people find information, remember the past, and communicate. This book explores the social, cultural, and philosophical influence of Google, using case studies to evaluate its real cost on individuals and society.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Search engines are powerful tools that have a significant impact on our lives. They play a crucial role in shaping how we access information, interact with others, and navigate the internet. However, these impacts are not without controversy, and there are ongoing debates about what search engines should do and what they should not do.

One of the most significant impacts of search engines is their ability to shape our perceptions and opinions. Search engines algorithms are designed to prioritize relevant and popular content, which can lead to a "filter bubble" where we are only exposed to information that confirms our existing beliefs and biases. This can have a detrimental effect on our ability to think critically and engage with diverse perspectives.

Another issue with search engines is the potential for spreading misinformation and fake news. Search engines can be manipulated to prioritize certain content over others, which can lead to the spread of false information and propaganda. This can have serious consequences for public opinion, political discourse, and social movements.

Despite these challenges, search engines also have the potential to be a force for good. They can be used to promote education, access to healthcare, and social justice. For example, search engines can be used to provide information about marginalized communities, to connect people with resources and support, and to promote awareness about important social issues.

In conclusion, search engines are complex tools that have a significant impact on our lives. While they have the potential to be a force for good, they also have the potential to promote misinformation and bias. It is important for search engines to be transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of their users. This will require a collaborative effort between search engines, governments, and civil society to develop policies and practices that promote the responsible use of search engines and protect the rights and freedoms of individuals.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 241 x 164 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350325203