The Ethical Dilemma of SEO

Search engine optimization, or SEO has revolutionized the way the internet works and how easy it is to find information on the internet. However, as search engine optimization has taken over the web, it has created some controversy with headline grabbing subjects. The “mosque near ground zero” which is not actually a mosque, or near ground zero, was a huge story in the news. People became outraged at the idea of a mosque being built either at oraround ground zero, where the World Trade Center used to stand. News agencies learned of this falsehood and started re-working how the presented it. NPR started using the phrase “Islamic center near ground zero in lower Manhattan”, while news agencies stopped using these terms, Google still had the phrase on search engine optimization. SEO has always been surrounded by controversy, the real issue is that certain phrases or words typed into google bring up certain results. In the case of the “mosque at ground zero” the information is false. In my opinion, the problem is that too many people rely on Google for immediate information. I will admit that I rely on Google for information, I use Google at least once a day, and regrettably I believe most of the information that I find, I mean why wouldn’t you? Wrong. 

Don’t believe everything on Google, even though google advertises itself as this all-knowing search engine that doesn’t advertise any wrong information. Well that might not be true, but many students rely on Google for everything, and I mean everything. Stephen Colbert sums up this mentality very well. He says “if you stand around and shout something loud enough over and over again people will believe you.” This is the problem with search optimization. How to fix it? Well, its easier said than done, but I think that Google should regularly fact check and change its phrasing. The other is about how aware student journalists are of wrong information on the internet. 

Student journalists should always be verycautious about where they get their information, and how they comment on it. You never know what information is right, and what is wrong. Google should never be a last resort for information, student journalists should learn to find reputable websites like .gov or .org websites. Ethically, SEO needs to be re-worked. It is unfortunate to see so much anger over a news story that really isn’t true. The same goes for policing yourself with social media. The argument has constantly been brought up about Twitter, and my opinion hasn’t changed. Look at my recent blog posts, think before you tweet, its your responsibility. Its your same responsibility to find correct information on the web. If you are thrown out into the multimedia journalistic world and you make a mistake regarding information, you are fired. You are fired without notice too, there is zero tolerance policy when it comes to reporting information. So student journalists, make sure you know your information is right.