The Internet Filter Bubble

We focused on the difference between scholarly and popular sources. While popular sources do have an important place in research, there are important considerations for searching for these resources on the Internet. This discussion introduces you to the concept of the "Internet Filter Bubble" and how it can affect your search results when using certain search engines, such as Google. You will also be introduced to the strategies you can use to pop the filter bubble.

Prepare: Watch the TED Talk Eli Pariser: Beware Online "Filter Bubbles" and read the How to Pop Your Filter Bubble! handout.
http://www.ted.com/talks/eli_pariser_beware_online_filter_bubbles

Reflect: Consider your reaction to the video and how this topic applies to your own experience researching on the internet. Think about the suggestions from the How to Pop Your Filter Bubble! handout and select three that you feel will help you pop your filter bubble.

Write: Consider your reaction to the video and how this topic applies to your own experience researching on the internet. Think about the suggestions from the How to Pop Your Filter Bubble! handout and select three that you feel will help you pop your filter bubble.

Your initial post should contain a minimum of 350 words written in complete sentences. It must answer all aspects of the prompt (refer to "Think about it this way" below).

Think about it this way. . .

This Discussion is asking you to do six things.

• What were your initial thoughts on the filter bubble after watching the Ted Talk?

• What are the positive and negative effects of the filter bubble, particularly in relation to ethical issues that may arise?

• How could this filter bubble impact the research you conduct online for your Final Paper, the Annotated Bibliography?

• Which three suggestions for popping your Internet filter bubble did you select? Explain why you chose those three.

• Do you feel popping your filter bubble is important for all of the searches (i.e., professional, academic, personal) you conduct online or only some? Why or why not?