How can you use search engines to compare and contrast different viewpoints?

1 Choose your keywords wisely

The words you type into the search box can influence the results you get. Different keywords can bring up different perspectives, sources, and frames. For example, if you want to learn about the effects of climate change, you could try keywords like "climate change impacts", "climate change adaptation", "climate change denial", or "climate change solutions". Each of these keywords will likely lead you to different types of websites, articles, and arguments. Try to use keywords that are specific, relevant, and neutral, and avoid words that are vague, emotional, or loaded.

2 Use multiple search engines

Different search engines use different algorithms, databases, and filters to rank and display results. Some search engines may prioritize popularity, authority, freshness, or relevance. Some may also customize results based on your location, history, or preferences. To get a broader and more diverse range of results, you can use multiple search engines and compare their outputs. For example, you could use Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and Ecosia to see how they differ in their coverage and presentation of a topic. You can also use specialized search engines that focus on certain domains, such as academic, news, or social media.

3 Evaluate the sources and content

Not all sources and content are equally reliable, accurate, and credible. You need to evaluate the quality and trustworthiness of the websites, articles, and authors you find through search engines. You can use criteria such as authority, currency, accuracy, objectivity, coverage, and purpose to assess the sources and content. You can also use tools such as fact-checkers, reverse image search, and domain analysis to verify the information and identify the origin and context of the content. You should also be aware of the potential biases, assumptions, and arguments of the sources and content, and how they may influence your perception and understanding of the topic.

4 Seek out alternative and opposing viewpoints

One of the risks of using search engines is that they may reinforce your existing beliefs and opinions, and exclude or downplay other viewpoints. This can create echo chambers or confirmation bias, where you only see and hear what you want to see and hear. To avoid this, you should actively seek out alternative and opposing viewpoints on the topic, and challenge your own assumptions and biases. You can use search operators, filters, and modifiers to refine your search and find different perspectives. For example, you can use quotation marks, minus signs, or synonyms to exclude or include certain words or phrases. You can also use advanced search options to limit or expand your results by date, language, region, or type.

5 Compare and contrast the results

Once you have identified a variety of sources and content on the topic, you can compare and contrast them to recognize the similarities and differences in their perspectives, arguments, evidence, and implications. A table, chart, or diagram can be used to arrange and display the results. Additionally, it is helpful to ask questions such as: what are the main claims or positions of each source or content? What are the reasons or evidence that support or refute each claim or position? How do the sources or content address or acknowledge other viewpoints or counterarguments? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each source or content? What are the implications or consequences of each source or content? By contrasting the results, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the topic and form your own informed opinion.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?