Using Google News for Unbiased Information: Why it Matters
In our global community — which is characterized by technological advances, digitization, and virtually unlimited access to content — the vast majority of people get their news from an online aggregator. Personally, I use Google News (previously Google Now). Based on your search history and online habits, Google News uses artificial intelligence to “learn” what you want to access and serves you targeted stories and ads. And I don’t mean showing you news about upcoming Marvel movies, after you Google “Who can lift Mjolinir’s hammer in the comic books?” Google can determine whether you lean left or right on the political spectrum, and your stance on a variety of hot topics. Don’t believe me? Check out the political section of your Google News feed. Are you getting mostly pro or anti Trump articles? I bet it’s overwhelmingly clear that the content is tailored to your leanings.
At this point, you may be thinking: “What’s the big deal? Google is catering to my interests, it’s convenient, and kind of cool.” Of course, Google analysts and administrators want to serve you according to your information and entertainment needs. That guarantees you’ll keep using the search engine — where they can expose you to targeted ads. But you’re missing the flipside of every story. If you use those same news articles to fuel your YouTube comment section posts or to one-up your coworker in a pointless debate, you’re not well equipped to make judgements or engage in debates. Quite simply, you’re missing vital information that could potentially change your mind or add to your knowledge on an issue.
Well, what can I do about it?
It’s simple, you can beat Google at its own game. The reason you’re receiving targeted news articles is because Google uses your search history to determine what news articles you’re likely to enjoy. If you search a lot of recipes, you’re bound to start receiving ads for blog posts about the best meatloaf. I encourage you to take a look at your feed, see what kind of results you’re getting, and then start typing the opposite in Google’s search bar. Are you getting a lot of news articles on the health benefits of caffeine? Google “the adverse effects of drinking coffee.” Is your feed full of articles on how Tesla is the greatest thing since the invention of the wheel? Google “the drawbacks of owning a Tesla” or even just “Elon Musk,” and Google will begin serving you the latest news, good or bad. After you click on a few of those blog posts and articles, Google’s algorithm will “learn” your behavior and start serving you ads from both sides of the information spectrum. Like I said, it’s simple to beat Google and gain access to a wealth of information.
This isn’t going to change my point of view…
My goal is to provide you with a way to break out of the news bubble that these algorithms can trap you in. Within our social circles and our media use we tend to interact with people who have a similar mindset, and our online search history picks up on that, taps into it, and runs with it. The reality is that we have to interact with people who have differing viewpoints on a daily basis — whether they are Internet trolls or Karen from accounting.
By following these steps, you will acquire knowledge from both sides of a given argument and can argue your point better. If by chance you become convinced by a differing opinion, it’s easier to adopt through your own volition rather than submitting to someone else and taking a hit to your ego.
Can you provide a realistic example?
I sure can! I consider myself a centrist on most political hot-topics. I try to discern the merits of both sides of the spectrum before determining where I land. Gun control is one where I can see both sides of the equation. Yes, we have the right to bear arms, it’s in the second amendment, but also; we really do have a lot of shootings in the US. I generally lean more towards pro gun control, and therefore I get a good number of articles stating the atrocities that have occurred and how Republicans are doing little to nothing to help curb the issue. The other day though I also received this article in my feed; The Truths about Mass Shooters That Gun-Control Advocates Ignore
This article shows a scenario where in a world with gun-control laws around gun purchasing waiting periods, background checks, mental health clearance, and ban on assault rifles; the above mentioned shooting would have still occurred.
You could potentially use this article to your advantage regardless which side of the fence you are on. You can use it as another anecdote to support your stance on gun rights, and how legislating more gun-control has little effect. Or, you can compare the story to other scenarios to prove it is an outlier. It doesn’t matter, but at the end of the day, you are better informed because you have multiple viewpoints, and can articulate either thoughts, and maybe even come up with an ultimately better solution to the problems our world faces.
