Google search doesn’t give answers to anything anymore, says expert
Have you ever felt like Google just isn’t as helpful as it used to be? Well, you’re not alone. In a recent TikTok video, Jason Pargin, author and former editor of Cracked.com, voiced his frustration with the diminishing returns he’s getting from Google. Pargin’s video quickly went viral, racking up over half a million views in just a few days.
Pargin’s complaint stemmed from a search he made to find a solution to a Wi-Fi issue on his iPhone. Despite specifying that he needed an iOS solution, the search results led him to outdated information that was of no use to his current operating system. The first result directed him to a 12-year-old webpage with instructions that didn’t align with his iPhone’s interface. The second result claimed there was no solution, and the third result didn’t even pertain to iOS.
However, it was the fourth article that really irked Pargin. The headline seemed promising, but after scrolling through multiple paragraphs and advertisements, he was eventually told there was no workaround for his problem. The article seemed to have been written solely to keep users on the page and generate revenue through ads.
Pargin stated, Your entire job is to just keep people on the page and keep loading these ad units. He believes that the purpose of many online articles now is to manipulate the Google algorithm and trap users in a cycle of clicking and scrolling.
Pargin’s sentiment resonated with many of his viewers, who expressed their agreement with his negative experience. Some claimed that Google’s search results have become worse over time, and others suggested that Google has shifted its focus from providing information to prioritizing advertisers.
This issue seems to be widespread, as a recent study by a German research team found that search engines are increasingly filled with spam content, making it more difficult for users to access helpful information online.
With no non-monetized solution in sight, some of Pargin’s viewers offered a workaround that has worked for them – adding the word Reddit to their search. According to them, this often leads to helpful discussions and answers from real people.
The Daily Dot reached out to Google and the article’s author for statements but has yet to receive a response.
As Google’s search engine continues to evolve, it’s clear that there are growing frustrations among users who feel that the platform no longer serves their needs. Whether Google will address these concerns and make improvements remains to be seen. In the meantime, users may have to rely on alternative methods, such as seeking information from online communities like Reddit.
It’s important to note that while Google is still a valuable tool, its effectiveness in providing accurate and relevant information may have declined over time. Users should exercise caution and consider seeking multiple sources of information to ensure they find the most reliable answers to their queries.
