Google London 2012 Search Results of Americans are Mostly Positive
Vivian Lau — August 15, 2012 — Special
Perusing the Google London 2012 search results to catch up on the headline stories will be the extent of research into the Games for most proplr. The 'How Google Remembers Top 2012 Olympians' infographic reveals how Google can skew public perception to a drastic degree.
As the prime source of information retrieval, the search engine plays a huge role in how we learn about events around the world. However widespread, dependent relationships should raise some red flags. For example, Michael Phelps is portrayed in a positive light. All the results on the first page sing praises about his most-decorated-of-all-time status, with sites covering his bong fiasco appearing on later pages. In contrast, Ryan Lochte's results show little care for his gold medal over Phelps, rather, they give evidence of his 'airhead' character. Gabby Douglas of the USA also receives mixed attention for both her unruly hair and historic gold medal achievements.
This only goes to show that though the Internet is a phenomenal source for knowledge, one must be careful about what picture is presented on the first page of Google, for it may not be an accurate one.
As the prime source of information retrieval, the search engine plays a huge role in how we learn about events around the world. However widespread, dependent relationships should raise some red flags. For example, Michael Phelps is portrayed in a positive light. All the results on the first page sing praises about his most-decorated-of-all-time status, with sites covering his bong fiasco appearing on later pages. In contrast, Ryan Lochte's results show little care for his gold medal over Phelps, rather, they give evidence of his 'airhead' character. Gabby Douglas of the USA also receives mixed attention for both her unruly hair and historic gold medal achievements.
This only goes to show that though the Internet is a phenomenal source for knowledge, one must be careful about what picture is presented on the first page of Google, for it may not be an accurate one.
Trend Themes
1. Search Engine Perception Skewing - As search engines are the primary source for information retrieval, there are opportunities for disruption in improving the accuracy and impartiality of search results.
2. Public Perception Influence - The impact of search engine results on public perception presents opportunities for disruption in the areas of reputation management and digital marketing.
3. Media Literacy Education - As misleading search results can have a significant impact, there are opportunities for disruptive innovations in media literacy education to teach individuals how to critically assess the accuracy and impartiality of information sources online.
Industry Implications
1. Search Engine and SEO Services - There is potential for disruption in the search engine and SEO industries by improving the accuracy and impartiality of search results, thereby benefiting businesses that rely on these services for their online presence.
2. Reputation Management - Disruptive innovation opportunities exist in reputation management services that help individuals and organizations address and mitigate negative search results that may impact their public perception.
3. Digital Marketing and Advertising - The impact of search engine results on public perception presents innovative opportunities for the digital marketing and advertising industries to improve the accuracy and impartiality of their campaigns and target audience perception.
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