TED: The moral bias behind your search results | Andreas ekstrom

The video explores why students prefer Google, highlighting the belief in unbiased results. It delves into the complexity of search queries, distinguishing between isolated facts and knowledge. Two case studies are presented: Michelle Obama's search result manipulation in 2009 and Anders Behring Breivik's in 2011. The video discusses Google's intervention in the former but not the latter, emphasizing the role of personal bias in algorithms. The conclusion calls for a tighter integration of humanities and technology to address these biases.

What is one reason students prefer Google as their search engine?

• It has the fastest loading time.

• It is the only search engine available.

• It provides unbiased search results.

• It offers the most colorful interface.

What is the key difference between searching for facts and seeking knowledge?

• Knowledge is always unbiased.

• Knowledge is easier to find than facts.

• Facts are universally agreed upon, while knowledge is subjective.

• Facts require more sources than knowledge.

How did people manipulate search results for Michelle Obama in 2009?

• By altering image captions and filenames.

• By hacking into Google's database.

• By creating fake news stories.

• By using her name in unrelated articles.

Why did Google intervene in the search results for Michelle Obama but not for Anders Behring Breivik?

• Breivik's case was not widely reported.

• Google had a technical issue with Breivik's case.

• Michelle Obama is a public figure, while Breivik is not.

• Google's intervention was based on moral evaluation.

What does the speaker suggest about the nature of algorithms?

• They are self-correcting over time.

• They are only used by Google.

• They are influenced by human beliefs.

• They are completely unbiased.

What role does personal bias play in search engine results?

• It is eliminated by advanced algorithms.

• It only affects non-Google search engines.

• It can influence the ranking of search results.

• It has no impact on search results.

What is the speaker's main message regarding technology and humanities?

• They should remain separate fields.

• Technology should replace humanities.

• They need to be integrated more closely.

• Humanities should guide all technological development.