A study in how Google affects search results, even in private mode and logged out of Google

Over the years, there has been considerable discussion of Google’s “filter bubble” problem. Put simply, it’s the manipulation of your search results based on your personal data. In practice this means links are moved up or down or added to your Google search results, necessitating the filtering of other search results altogether. These editorialized results are informed by the personal information Google has on you (like your search, browsing, and purchase history), and puts you in a bubble based on what Google’s algorithms think you’re most likely to click on.

Source: Measuring the Filter Bubble: How Google is influencing what you click

A pretty nice look in to how the results from a Google search can be influenced by the person doing the search. The shocking part for me is that Google appears to individualizing the results even in private mode and logged out.

When you are teaching search strategies, students should be made aware of these findings.