“Google” is a trademark, a proper noun, and a verb. You probably “Google” for online information every day. And that’s fine—for most everyday information. Or for entertainment.
But trusting Google is risky if you need really important information, such as:
- How to find the best assistive technology for your needs
- Your family’s legal rights when a child needs special education
- Objective facts on a new medication
Why First Results Aren’t Best Results
When you run a Google search, the first results are usually one, two, or all three of the following types:
- Ads. Run any search that even hints you might want to buy something, and your top results are often sponsored by companies selling that product or service. They’re at the top of the list because they pay to be there. While they’re unlikely to give you false information, they’ll edit out anything that might distract you from their solution.
- AI (artificial intelligence) overviews. Google introduced its “AI Overview” in 2024. If your search involves a basic question (yes or no, what year did something happen, etc.), the first result will likely be AI-generated. Don’t take it at face value for serious research: it creates its answers from other digital sources, any of which might have their “facts” wrong.
- “Anyone can contribute” sites: wikis, YouTube, and social media. These sites draw so many contributors (and sometimes amateur editors) that it’s impossible to screen out all bad information. Double-check anything you find here.
Finding a Source You Can Trust
The best Google search results begin a screen or so down the page. You can tell good information by:
- Date of publication. Facts can and do change, especially if they involve research or technology. The more recent a posting (or update), the better.
- The writer’s credentials. Was an article written by someone who knows what they’re talking about? For instance, if the topic is diabetes, is the writer a doctor with experience treating diabetes?
- The parent site. Check the URLs of search results: who actually posted each article? Scientific publishers, .edu sites, .gov sites, and major news channels are the most reliable sources.
It’s Not All About Google
Keep in mind that not all searches need a general search engine. Often, your best bet is to go directly to a reliable website and search it from the inside. That way, all your results should have accurate, well-researched information.
Finally, no matter how good your source, don’t rely entirely on published information. Before putting online suggestions to use, discuss them with a doctor, therapist, teacher, or other expert who’s personally familiar with your needs.