Search Engine Manipulation Effect

Attention Educators: Your Students Are Being Influenced Without Knowing It (11 mins) Every day, students trust search engines to deliver unbiased information—but research shows that search rankings can shift opinions by over 20% without users even realizing it. With 95% of students relying on Google for research, they're vulnerable to commercial interests, algorithmic bias, and filter bubbles that shape their understanding of critical topics. The good news? You have the power to change this. By teaching digital literacy and critical evaluation skills, you can empower students to become discerning researchers who question, analyze, and think independently. Don't let algorithms educate your students—equip them to navigate the digital world wisely and critically.