Why Is This First? Understanding and Analyzing Internet Search Results

Abstract

Primarily due to their convenience, online search engines such as Google and Bing are becoming a central location for obtaining information. As a result, societies give search engines tremendous control over the spread of information to the public. Through a high-school-level sample lesson plan, the article was written to promote dialogue with teachers on the importance of teaching the intricacies of search engines. The sample lesson plan begins with fundamental knowledge on the functionality of search engines with emphasis on algorithms. With this instruction, students can understand not only search engines, but also their manipulation potential, which leads to ramifications. Using the manipulation potential as a catalyst, many societal concerns are raised, such as spread of misinformation, oppression of certain groups, and impact on behavior. Through this instruction and dialogue, practitioners will have a resource to integrate search engines into their curriculum in response to this new concern.