News and Research articles on Google search

Volume 8, Issue 4

Disinformation optimised: gaming search engine algorithms to amplify junk news

Samantha Bradshaw, Oxford Internet Institute
PUBLISHED ON: 31 Dec 2019 DOI: 10.14763/2019.4.1442

This paper examines how Google Search ranked 29 junk news domains between 2016 and 2019, finding that SEO — rather than paid advertising — is the most important strategy for generating discoverability via Google Search. Google has taken several steps to combat the spread of disinformation on Search, and these strategies have been largely successful at limiting the discoverability of junk news.

KEYWORDS: Disinformation, Junk news, Computational propaganda, Search engine optimisation, Digital advertising
Volume 5, Issue 1

Should we worry about filter bubbles?

Frederik J. Zuiderveen Borgesius, University of Amsterdam
Damian Trilling, University of Amsterdam
Judith Möller, University of Amsterdam
Balázs Bodó, University of Amsterdam
Claes de Vreese, University of Amsterdam
Natali Helberger, University of Amsterdam
PUBLISHED ON: 31 Mar 2016 DOI: 10.14763/2016.1.401

Personalised news websites can have serious implications for democracy, but little is known about the extent and effects of personalisation.

KEYWORDS: Filter bubble, Personalisation, Selective exposure