We've been discussing in class the different factors that contribute to search and, interestingly, Google's dominate role in both the development of modern internet search, but also it's control over the industry. It's an issue clearly covered extensively in our reading by John Battelle and the lectures.
What we have not explored is how other mediums-- specifically social media-- are impacting the way Google develops search going forward. An interesting article ran in the New York Times this week about Google's revision on Thursday of it's search algorithm.
Recognizing the real time value of Twitter and Facebook feeds, Google is now trying to make search results more timely. It's reported this will impact 35% of all searches.
Any news junkie, or in my case journalist, will tell you the frustration they've often felt when searching for breaking news via Google. Heading to a site like Twitter will give you much faster real time information-- even more so than established news sources. Google, of course, is trying to capture a share of this market.
Google makes up to 500 algorithm tweaks each year. This one change, however, is significant in that it will impact a great number of users. It also acknowledges that when it comes to search, Google ain't the only game in town. Competition often breads greater efficiency.
New York Times:
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/03/google-changes-search-algorithm-trying-to-make-results-more-timely/?ref=technology
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