Dan Ariely, author of Predictably Irrational, posted two simple but compelling images today (see below) of a search query that says a lot about the differences in how we search by gender.
As Dan writes "This shows Google’s remarkable power as a source of data on a range of human behaviors, emotions, and opinions."
The power of Google is all in the data. Undoubtedly, you've noticed the amazing Kreskin-esque ability for Google to suggest the term you are thinking while you're typing into the search field. It there faster than you can type - or even think sometimes!
I'm not a conspiracy theorist and don't believe Google is out to take over the world (at least not in a Dr. Evil kind of way). But we must recognize the mountains of information Google is sitting on. The kind that makes our little blue planet spin and, increasingly the stuff that makes our little brains tick. This will only continue to grow exponentially as Google firmly puts it' mobile stake in the ground.
How far can it go? That is the real question. All I can say is fasten your seat belts and keep your arms and legs inside because this ride is far from over. In fact, its really just begun.
Technorati Tags: Google Search Gender Dan Ariely Predictably Irrational Dr. Evil
You know what I find very interesting about these two lists? They both start out the same: "How can I get my [boyfriend/girlfriend] to..." - but the suggestions that Google gives as sentence completions are fairly different. Does Google rank the responses with their normal ranking system (I believe it's called "pigeon ranking" - meaning that stuff higher up on the list is more commonly written about and thus has a higher chance of being what you're looking for)? If you think this is the case, then keep reading. That would imply that each item in the list has a certain "weight" to it, which decreases as you go down - the most important things are at the top. Note that the fourth item on each list deals with Trust. Also note where the Break Up With Me entries lie in each list: does that mean that when a female is talking about increasing affection, a male is speaking about breaking up; but then when the female talks about breaking up, the male starts asking for forgiveness (is this one just an interesting coincidence?)? Try playing the 'hesays-shesays' game: he says, "I want her to love me!" while she says "Only if he stops drinking." Now work your way up the list. Quite interesting and humorous, don't you think?
Lifting back the veil and diving into what's going on in our little ole brains.
Great visual! Thanks.
I've started doing this for keyword research and article ideas over the last month or so. That and "proper" keyword research.
But this graphic really drives home the true strength in understanding the ins and outs of how people are searching. And that just some minor subtleties change the outcomes completely.
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