Algorithmic amplification of biases on Google Search

Hussam Habib; Ryan Stoldt; Andrew High; Brian Ekdale; Ashley Peterson; Katy Biddle; Javie Ssozi; Rishab Nithyanand

doi:10.48550/arxiv.2401.09044

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Algorithmic amplification of biases on Google Search

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Open access

Algorithmic amplification of biases on Google Search

Hussam Habib, Ryan Stoldt, Andrew High, Brian Ekdale, Ashley Peterson, Katy Biddle, Javie Ssozi and Rishab Nithyanand

ArXiv.org

01/17/2024

DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2401.09044

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https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2401.09044View

Preprint (Author's original)This preprint has not been evaluated by subject experts through peer review. Preprints may undergo extensive changes and/or become peer-reviewed journal articles. Open Access

Abstract

The evolution of information-seeking processes, driven by search engines like Google, has transformed the access to information people have. This paper investigates how individuals' preexisting attitudes influence the modern information-seeking process, specifically the results presented by Google Search. Through a comprehensive study involving surveys and information-seeking tasks focusing on the topic of abortion, the paper provides four crucial insights: 1) Individuals with opposing attitudes on abortion receive different search results. 2) Individuals express their beliefs in their choice of vocabulary used in formulating the search queries, shaping the outcome of the search. 3) Additionally, the user's search history contributes to divergent results among those with opposing attitudes. 4) Google Search engine reinforces preexisting beliefs in search results. Overall, this study provides insights into the interplay between human biases and algorithmic processes, highlighting the potential for information polarization in modern information-seeking processes.

Computer Science - Computers and Society

Computer Science - Human-Computer Interaction

Computer Science - Information Retrieval

Details

Title: Subtitle: Algorithmic amplification of biases on Google Search
Creators: Hussam Habib
Ryan Stoldt
Andrew High
Brian Ekdale
Ashley Peterson
Katy Biddle
Javie Ssozi
Rishab Nithyanand
Resource Type: Preprint
Publication Details: ArXiv.org
DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2401.09044
ISSN: 2331-8422
Language: English
Date posted: 01/17/2024
Academic Unit: Center for Social Science Innovation; Computer Science; Public Policy Center (Archive); School of Journalism and Mass Communication; Law Faculty
Record Identifier: 9984548409102771

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