New Leaves

Since writing my new blog New Leaves, I’ve noticed changes from when I wrote a different blog years ago. The most significant change is how I discover information, or as I call it, “unofficial research.” With the use of search engines, I create content by brainstorming topics, outlining thoughts, and summarizing information. The search engines act as my research assistants for gathering information.

The use of search engines has become a part of my daily routine. I use both traditional and AI-generated search engines. AI-powered search engines, like Gemini, provide direct, summarized answers, whereas traditional search engines, like Google, use keywords to provide a list of links. Both have been extremely helpful at different times and in different ways. With the use of search engines, our society has become independent researchers. When we have a question, we simply do a quick search and find an answer. We have a wealth of information at our fingertips in mere minutes.

I started using the term “unofficial research” before stating facts or sharing information because I wanted to be sure my readers understood that I am not an expert. I have opinions and ideas, but I have limited knowledge on many topics I write about. I don’t consider myself an “official” source of research. In reality, I should be providing quotes and links to where my information has come from, but as a casual writer, this is something I chose not to do.

Search engines provide information quickly. We have a question, and we do a quick search, and our answer appears. Or at least we think it does. It becomes easy to think that after reading a few articles, we are the experts on the topic. It’s also easy to read something and immediately believe it to be true. One thing I know I am guilty of is that when I do a search, I read several answers to my question, but I usually settle on the answer that feels right for me. This means I am selectively choosing an answer that may not be 100% correct, but the one that is most appealing.

There are several negative effects of the use of search engines, including spreading misinformation, encouraging superficial knowledge, and biases in fact-gathering. As much as the negative effects are true, there are also wonderful positive effects like finding information quickly, expanding learning, and helping to make decisions. One positive search I recently conducted was to find out why I ruminate about perceived mistakes I’ve made in the past when I wake up at 2:00 am. My “unofficial research” provided several physical and emotional reasons why this occurs and even provided suggestions of what to do when it does.

Search engines can make us more knowledgeable if used in ethical and honest ways. This is why I share why I claim “unofficial research.” It’s my way of saying I have looked into some information, but what I say may not be the “official” truth. For the real answers, I will leave that up to you to do your own research.