Another Insulting Algorithmic Search Result from Google
Today we have Google ranking a swastika on Google Trends due to a Google's "machines and algorithms." And now we have Google offering a related search phrase for a Google images search on special people. The related search displayed is "retards." Here is an image:
Yes, I know related searches are based on algorithms of how people use Google, but some (those who don't know how search engines work) might be really insulted by this interpretation of [special people].
Google has actually instituted fresher and more frequent related searches, so maybe this is why it is showing up.
I do not blame Google for showing this result, I do however blame Google for not placing a quick link to what "related searches" are - so that the average searcher would click it, read it, and then possibly understand.
Forum discussion at Search Engine Roundtable Forums and hat tip.
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rustybrick in Google Search Engine at July 10, 2008 5:57 PM
Comments (11)


Comments
I agree about the link to how related searches are determined. Otherwise this could me mistaken as an insensitive, cruel joke by Google insiders, or a really poor search algorithm.
Posted by Linda Bustos at July 10, 2008 19:10