Week 6 - Ah, we'll just Google It

The term ‘Google it’ has become embedded within society on many different levels. Invariably if one has a question (and internet connection) the good people at Google are the first point of call. Hence the term ‘Google it’ – when you don’t know the answer just ask Google.

From a journalism point of view Google has become a huge time (life) saver. It can literally take mere seconds to find a map, link, detail or related article to attach to a news story. I have spent time at a major online news organisation and everyone there uses Google to check and find information. I have heard many journalists say, “What did we do without Google?”!

Google also becomes a promotional tool. As an online journalist I think about the use of key words, particularly in writing headlines, to improve ‘search engine optimisation’. That is, to try and get my story at the top of any Google list.

“Many experienced internet users felt they couldn’t live without search engines” (Howard & Massanari). Google has become a huge part of our online culture; many (including myself) set it as a home page. It is often the first point of call when searching for answers to any question.

Hard to believe that we used to live without Google!

Thanks for reading,
Andrew


References

Howard, P. N. and Massanari, A. (2007). Learning to Search and Searching to Learn: Income, Education, and Experience Online. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 12(3), article 5. Available online: http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/blackboard/content/contentWrapper.jsp?content_id=_3070115_1&displayName=Week+6%3A+%22Tell+me+more%2C+tell+me+more%22%3A+Information%2C+Education+%26+Work&course_id=_60765_1&navItem=content&href=http%3A%2F%2Fjcmc.indiana.edu%2Fvol12%2Fissue3%2Fhoward.html (Accessed March 30, 2010).

Leong, S. 2010. KCB201: New Media 1: Information and Knowledge: Week 6 lecture notes. Available online: http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/webapps/blackboard/content/contentWrapper.jsp?attachment=true&navItem=content&content_id=_3122571_1&displayName=Week+6+Lecture+Notes&course_id=_60765_1&href=/%40%40/FA2AD967DC9461BA9CAFB12E14C01FE3/courses/1/KCB201_10se1/content/_3122571_1/Week6LectureBB.ppt (accessed March 31, 2010).