PageRank… I think not!
Has the Googlization of global search and information sharing benefitted Google or consumers more?
Google portrays itself as a friend to all and foe to some. Although Google does provide relevant information, most of the time, there comes a time when it must be decided whether or not that “relevant” information is trustworthy. The first link that Google gave me about “Oscars 2020” was the most relevant on the results page, but I nevertheless am skeptical about the accuracy of what I learned today about the topic. The first link provided to me was from Wikipedia.
My skepticism regarding my first search result bases itself on the elitist culture which surrounds academic research. My lower, middle, and upper school education occurred at a private, Christian, college preparatory school in Arkansas. While there, I was taught to never use nor trust Wikipedia because everyday people, with no degree on the topic, can edit freely with no advising. This mentality carried over into college; therefore, I remain skeptical of Wikipedia. Nevertheless, Wikipedia is useful in terms of its sourcing. So, if I am wary of the result I am provided, I will read the source list to see if it is credible. What stood out to me in my search though was how Wikipedia appears before the official Oscars organization website.
