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| Google News algorithm updates and their negative impact on news availability |
As the dominant player in the search engine industry, Google algorithm updates have a significant impact on the quality and relevance of the information users access online. However, the latest update has been criticized for its tendency to favor certain types of content over others, resulting in spam blogs and other low-quality sites being included in search results, particularly in Google News. This has important implications for the reliability and credibility of information received by users, and underscores the need for continued efforts to improve the ability of algorithms to identify and prioritize high-quality sources.
Unexpected consequences
One problem with Google algorithm updates is that they can be unpredictable and have unintended consequences. Case in point: a 2021 update to prioritize trusted news sources to eliminate smaller independent sites that don't have the same resources or popularity. According to a study by Columbia Journalism, the update resulted in an average 27% drop in traffic to independent news sites. This reduces the diversity of opinions in search results, as users' opinions on current events are very limited.
How does the algorithm work
Another problem is that spam blogs and other low-quality websites can often manipulate algorithms to rank higher in search results. Example: In 2021, a spam blog could rank high in Google News when searching for a coronavirus vaccine; This is because it is used for keyword stuffing and link structure. This has led to misleading and incorrect information in search results, which could have serious consequences for users looking for accurate and reliable information on critical public health issues. In fact, a Pew Research Center survey found that nearly two-thirds of Americans have encountered false or misleading information about the coronavirus online.
We therefore conclude that Google algorithm updates are designed to improve the quality and relevance of search results, but there are still cases where results can become irrelevant or biased. Google must continue to monitor and improve its algorithms to ensure that they provide users with the most accurate and relevant results. This includes dealing with spam from blogs and other low-quality websites that undermine the credibility of the information available in Google News.