Recent discussions among researchers have highlighted the shifting dynamics of online search, particularly regarding user expectations and the capabilities of search engines like Google. A research team from Queensland University of Technology is taking a deep dive into the complexities of the search experience. This project, known as the Australian Search Experience, brings together researchers Ashwin Nagappa, Dr. Oleg Zendel and Dr. Johanne Trippas. Perhaps their most surprising finding is just how much better search technology has gotten over the last ten years. User satisfaction remains a thorny topic.
Nagappa points out an intriguing phenomenon: users can inadvertently prompt artificial intelligence systems to produce nonsensical responses. This is what happens when they search for Donald Trump quotes or use fuzzy language in their searches. As a result, the usefulness of AI summaries may be reduced, especially for non-native English speakers or those communicating in less widely spoken languages.
Dr. Zendel argues that in general terms, search technology has improved tremendously within the past decade. But he is quick to highlight the need for users to understand confirmation bias when reading search results. This understanding is especially important as search engines continue to grow more sophisticated in understanding and processing user queries of all types and complexities.
The Search Experience: A Dual Perspective
Dr. Trippas has observed a concerning trend at recent computer science conferences: a decline in perceived search quality. She characterizes this trend as an “underlying current” that has taken root in scholarly conversations. Users are increasingly expecting smarter, more conversational answers from search engines. Therefore, their initial expectations vs. their end result clearly grow farther apart.
Nagappa highlights the need to help users better refine their search queries and word choices. He explains that slight adjustments to a search term can drastically shift the results that a search engine returns. This cognitive, iterative model of searching is critical for users looking to find credible, relevant information.
“Users now expect that it can’t just do a simple keyword match. They also want to have the system reply to a very complex answer in a very direct manner.” – Johanne Trippas
This consumer expectation is what drives search engines to keep innovating. With advancing technology, in-car functionality like better voice search and AI-driven safety features are becoming the norm. Nagappa underscores that these innovations are changing the way users can and should interact with search engines. This change alone will require platforms to be nimble and quick to respond.
The Role of Alternative Sources and Techniques
On top of this, the researchers call upon users to diversify their information sources. If you’re not satisfied with what you find, Dr. Zendel suggests reformulating your questions. You can make the switch today by using better search engines like DuckDuckGo or Brave. Gathering information from both sides of the aisle might create a bipartisan picture and therefore more realistic and precise information.
“If you really care about it, then you should try and search the opposite. If it’s politics, then try and see what the other candidate is saying.” – Oleg Zendel
Such a hands-on approach deepens students’ critical thinking. It encourages students to seek out different perspectives, especially on sensitive issues such as political and social discourse.
Viktor Lofgren, an independent developer who built a search engine called Marginalia Search, agrees. He admits that Google, Bing and other major search engines have gone beyond being the simple web page finders of the past. As Lofgren highlights, these platforms often misfire on the simplest of queries. This illustrates the desperate need for more specialized tools that are built for more targeted inquiries.
“They don’t always give you the correct answers, but to be honest, neither do search engines.” – Viktor Lofgren
The Future of Search Engines
The environment of online search is evolving rapidly. Indeed, experts are sharply divided on whether search quality is improving or declining. Dr. Zendel warns that not even the biggest companies in the world—like Google—can claim for sure that they’re performing. They are worried about the results.
“To be able to say unequivocally that it’s getting better, or worse, is not something that even Google can do.” – Oleg Zendel
According to the Australian Search Experience project, Google is still the only search engine in town. In reality, just 4.7 percent of searches occur on these alternative platforms like Bing. While Google does indeed have a monopoly, there is still an incredible ecosystem of other resources out there for more niche users with more specialized knowledge.
Nagappa stresses that direct engagement with trusted sources, such as reputable news organizations and academic databases listed on platforms like Wikipedia, remains critical for comprehensive research. To those, he offers this admonition: never trust a mainstream search engine when trying to make subtle or complicated queries.
“You have some responsibility to make sure that you understand your information better.” – Ashwin Nagappa
