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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posted 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

Here here. Its incumbent upon Google to sanitise our languages according to their own sense of what is and is not offensive. At the very least I agree that every suggested search term should be accompanied by a comprehensive etymological justification.

Posted by nobrow at July 10, 2008 19:39

Last I checked saying someone is mentally or physically retarted is politically correct just as calling someone a special person is.

Posted by Jake at July 10, 2008 19:42

I agree about the link to how related searches are determined. to some it may be seem to be insensitive while some may term it politically correct.

Posted by Amaan Goyal at July 11, 2008 01:50

Maybe a George Carlin follower could create a "Seven Words you can't use on the Internet"

Posted by Duarte Canario at July 11, 2008 04:00

dont make google filter results
offensive, political, etc. let them find it. Those who are offended need to chill.

Posted by ivan at July 11, 2008 08:45

I always find myself annoyed, having wasted my time reading non-news posts like this one here on Search Engine Roundtable.

Posted by Robzilla at July 11, 2008 09:33

Sorry Rob. Can't please everyone.

Posted by Barry Schwartz at July 11, 2008 10:07

Rob, nobody's forcing you to read content you don't want to read. It looks like it garnered a good discussion before you came in and spoiled the party, though.

Posted by Tamar Weinberg at July 11, 2008 10:28

Wish comments had kept coming... while it may not be "news" it is an interesting/important discussion as the semantic web becomes more of a reality (as searchers and marketers).

Personally, I am not offended by the 'related searches' b/c [technically] it IS a related search... and the reason this is showing up is b/c our search patterns say so. Search (imo) does not exist to bring you back the information you are comfortable... and suggesting that is should means that you altering SERPs based on feelings or personal judgment. Which ultimately can only lead to biased/filtered SERPs (which is essentially a small form of censorship).

Posted by Kris Keimig at July 12, 2008 14:13

sometimes this could be useful, common peoples usually belieave that as the best choice serach by google, and it has a big chance to be clicked by the peoples at the first.

Posted by hendra leonar at July 18, 2008 05:32

Another Insulting Algorithmic Search Result from Google

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