Very interesting! I have decided to comment on the "filter bubbles' clip from TED.com (Ideas worth spreading).
I realised different computers and different search engines gave different search results but had not really spent any time thinking about why. This "current awareness post" has given me insight to the issue.
I agree filter bubbles are a form of censorship, so subtle. I liked the way the speaker on TED explained it is like living in the web age of 1915 but it is present time. The filter bubbles are gate keepers or censors of the internet and letting in only what information it thinks one person should be reading but on the other hand another person is receiving different information.
The comments below the clip were good to read as well, very different opinions.
For me, the answer is to keep questioning. If I don't think I have received enough information or a cross section of information. Search again!
Hi Diane
ReplyDeleteIt's odd, isn't it? I hadn't understood prior to this why two students would get different results when searching the same way depending on whether they were on our network or their own. I think the filter bubbles explanation goes along way towards clarifying this for me.
It's interesting and a bit "big brotherish" (in the 1984 sense of the word, gosh even our language is changing). When I read it, I must say I was a bit concerned because really who has time or inclination to really check if you are getting the full picture or cross-section of information at any given time. I would never even have thought to suggest the idea of an acquaintance doing a screen shot of their google search to compare notes.
ReplyDeleteI do feel it is easy to create your own little bubble as well, having just subscribed to a whole lot of favorite blogs my Google reader is quickly filling up with lots of articles I find interesting but if I spend all my time on reading them does that shunt out keeping up with the regular news.