Google is one of the best examples of "If it's free, you're the product." And its employees, business decisions, stock price, biases and preferences have a big impact on what its "products" (Smile! That's you and me!) see when we use Google Search.
When I look at Google's ad-choked search results, antitrust woes and stalker-like approach to tracking us, I can't really trust the results I get are fair, balanced or even just thorough. Add in search bias on political topics and large brands getting all the shine in the search algorithm, and we've got a problem.
I hear from a reader, viewer or listener just about every day who's looking for ways not to use Google Search.
Dennis in Reno, Nevada, sent me a note the other day, asking if Google had purchased the search engine DuckDuckGo. Nope, they haven't. That's fake news spreading online.
He also asked me for "the best product to avoid Google tracking and search manipulation (i.e., logarithm)." It's algorithm, friend. I don't want you to embarrass yourself in polite tech circles. The "best" product really depends on what you like. I've got options for ya. But first ...
Wondering how Google's competitors make money if they're not shilling your info to anyone with a buck to spend? Most alternative search engines make money in three ways:
You won't see AI tools like ChatGPT in this list since I'm sticking with traditional search engines. There are endless options, but here's a good place to start:
Try each of these options and see which one you like best. After all, they're all free.
🤣 Speaking of search engines ... Where's the safest place to hide a dead body? Page 2 of Google Search.