Google's SGE: A threat to the free and open internet - Episode 312

Published: June 11, 2023, 10:03 p.m.

b'

Description

Google\'s SGE, or Search Generative Experience, is a new feature that is showing itself to be an existential threat to the free and open internet. SGE is a new way of displaying search results that takes over the entire screen and pushes down regular search results. This means that Google is essentially killing search by giving users its own choices of the best results, which are not necessarily the most accurate or trustworthy.

Google\'s SGE threatens free internet

The problem with SGE is that it is a massive confusion from Google. By giving users their own choices of the best results, Google is banking on its own reputation to circumvent websites, which is not good for competition or for the free and open internet. This is because Google\'s choices are often not the best or most accurate, and they may not be the most trustworthy either.

For example, when searching for the best CPU, SGE gives users Google\'s choices of the best CPU, which are not necessarily good. The advice given is very generic and not specific to the user\'s needs. The shopping links provided are also not very helpful, as they do not credit the work of other websites that have provided more accurate and trustworthy information.

SGE is a threat to the free and open internet because it gives Google too much power over what users see and do online. By taking over the entire screen and pushing down regular search results, Google is able to steer users towards its own "AI-generated content," which is not good for competition or for the free and open internet. This is why it is important for users to be aware of the potential dangers of SGE and to take steps to protect their privacy and security online.

Google\'s plagiarism problem persists

Google\'s plagiarism problem persists, based on the new SGE results. The issue arises when Google\'s search engine results page (SERP) pulls information from various sources and presents it as its own review or summary. This can lead to poor-quality links, inconsistent information, and even plagiarism.

One example is a search for the best CPU for a computer. Instead of directing users to reputable sources like Tom\'s Hardware or PCMag, Google presented a link to smallbusinesscron.com, a site with no strong reputation. Additionally, the information presented in the result was often copied word for word from other sources, without proper citation or attribution.

Another issue with Google\'s SERP is its lack of discernment when it comes to the quality or objectivity of the sites it pulls information from. Content marketing sites, like OBSBOT, were cited as sources for reviews and summaries, despite their lack of expertise or credibility in the field.

This problem is not just limited to CPU or laptop reviews. It can occur with any search query, and it undermines the integrity of the internet as a source of reliable information. Google\'s dominance in the search engine market means that it has a responsibility to present accurate and trustworthy information to its users. However, its current system of pulling information from various sources without proper verification or attribution is not meeting this standard.

To address this issue, users must be aware of the potential dangers of relying solely on Google\'s SERP for information. They should take steps to verify the sources of any information they find online, and be cautious of sites that lack credibility or expertise in the field. Additionally, Google should take steps to improve its system of verifying sources and presenting information to users. This could include a more rigorous vetting process for the sites it pulls information from, or a clearer system of attribution and citation for the information presented on its SERP.

In conclusion, Google\'s plagiarism problem is a threat to the integrity of the internet as a source of reliable information. It undermines the trust that users have in search engines and can lead to poor quality advice and inconsistent information. To address this issue, both users and Google must take steps to improve the system of verifying sources and presenting information online. Only then can we ensure that the internet remains a free and open space for the exchange of reliable information.

Participants

Scott Ertz

Host

Scott is a developer who has worked on projects of varying sizes, including all of the PLUGHITZ Corporation properties. He is also known in the gaming world for his time supporting the rhythm game community, through DDRLover and hosting tournaments throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Currently, when he is not working on software projects or hosting F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, Scott can often be found returning to his high school days working with the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), mentoring teams and helping with ROBOTICON Tampa Bay. He has also helped found a student software learning group, the ASCII Warriors, currently housed at AMRoC Fab Lab.

Avram Piltch

Host

Avram\'s been in love with PCs since he played original Castle Wolfenstein on an Apple II+. Before joining Tom\'s Hardware, for 10 years, he served as Online Editorial Director for sister sites Tom\'s Guide and Laptop Mag, where he programmed the CMS and many of the benchmarks. When he\'s not editing, writing or stumbling around trade show halls, you\'ll find him building Arduino robots with his son and watching every single superhero show on the CW.

Live Discussion

Powered by PureVPN

'