The Google Search Bias We Play Out in Our Own Minds
The concept of “search engine bias” may not be new, but its relevance continues to grow. Whether you were introduced to it by former President Barack Obama or the character Frank Underwood in House of Cards, the idea remains the same: search engines like Google deliver results tailored to your preferences and behaviours, using your online footprint—search history, social media interactions, and browsing habits—to predict what you want to see.
While the implications of such biases for politics or social discourse are hotly debated, this article isn’t about Google’s algorithms. Instead, it’s about the metaphorical search engine we carry in our minds—and how it shapes the decisions we make every day.
Your Brain as a Search Engine
Imagine your brain as Google (or Yahoo, for nostalgia’s sake). Every time you face a decision, your brain runs a query through your personal history. It scans past experiences, desires, fears, and all the little biases you’ve built up over a lifetime.
Consider something as trivial as ordering dinner at a restaurant. How often have you told yourself, “I should try something new,” only to end up with the same dish you’ve been ordering for years? Somewhere in your internal database, there’s a memory of trying something new once, not liking it, and resolving never to stray from your trusty chicken parmigiana again. Within seconds, your mind delivers the familiar result: “I’ll have the parma and chips, thanks.”
This might seem harmless (who doesn’t love a parma?), but what happens when this same process influences bigger decisions—like starting a new relationship or changing careers?
How Internal Bias Shapes Big Decisions
Our internal search engine often prioritises memories of failure or discomfort over success. Think of phrases like, “All men are bastards” or “All women are bitchy.” Such sweeping generalisations are often born from one or two negative experiences. Your internal Google highlights those events, ignoring the many positive interactions that don’t fit the narrative.
The same bias can apply to careers. Imagine someone saying, “Ben worked at that company, and he hated it.” That second-hand opinion lingers in your subconscious, influencing your thoughts whenever you consider similar opportunities.
The problem is that these biases reinforce themselves, preventing us from taking risks or making changes. Over time, they become our default settings, dictating our choices and limiting our potential.
Why We Remember the Bad
There’s a great line from the 1998 film Rounders:
“Few players recall big pots they have won, strange as it seems, but every player can remember with remarkable accuracy the outstanding tough beats of his career.”
This sentiment extends far beyond poker. We tend to fixate on our worst moments—the bad meal, the failed relationship, the career misstep—while forgetting the wins. And the more we replay these stories in our minds, the more they dominate our internal search results.
When we search for “new relationship” or “career change” in the Google of our mind, the top result is often that painful breakup or the time we made a bad professional move. It’s no wonder we hesitate to try again.
Changing the Algorithm
So, are we doomed to replay the same patterns forever? Not necessarily. The key lies in becoming aware of your biases and actively rewriting the script.
- Acknowledge Your Biases
Take a moment to question your default settings. Why do you always order the same meal? What’s really stopping you from making a big life change? - Reframe the Narrative
Instead of focusing on failures, search for evidence of past successes. Ask yourself:- “Have I ever tried something new and enjoyed it?”
- “When did I start a new relationship and it turned out well?”
- “Was there a time I changed jobs and it was the right move?”
- Challenge the Fear
Uncertainty is uncomfortable, but growth often requires stepping outside your comfort zone. Give yourself permission to explore new possibilities, even if they feel unfamiliar. - Update Your Search Results
Actively focus on positive experiences. The more you remind yourself of your wins, the more they’ll rise to the top of your mental search engine.
The Final Query
Our internal search engine will always play a role in our decisions. But by understanding its biases and challenging them, we can take control of the narrative. Whether it’s ordering a new dish at your local pub or taking a leap into the unknown, remember: the results you get depend on the questions you ask—and the evidence you choose to believe.
Copyright Watkins Therapy Group 2024