Google has introduced a new feature called “Preferred Sources” in its search engine, allowing users to choose which sources they want to see more often in the Top Stories section. This feature is designed to give users more control over their search experience, enabling them to select their favourite news outlets and blogs.
How it Works
To access the Preferred Sources feature, users need to opt-in to the experiment through Google’s Labs section. Once enabled, users can tap the starred icon to the right of the Top Stories header in search results. They can then select their preferred sources from a list of available options. Google will then prioritize articles from these selected sources in the Top Stories section, providing users with a more personalized news experience .
Benefits for Users
The Preferred Sources feature offers several benefits for users, including:
- More control over news intake: Users can choose to see more content from trusted sources, reducing the likelihood of encountering misinformation or low-quality content.
- Personalized experience: By selecting preferred sources, users can tailor their search results to their individual interests and preferences.
- Increased transparency: Sources are clearly labeled, allowing users to easily identify the origin of the content.
Implications for Publishers
The Preferred Sources feature also has significant implications for publishers. According to Google, over half of users who enabled the feature selected four or more sources. This suggests that users value diversity in their news intake and are willing to choose multiple sources to stay informed .
Publishers can benefit from the Preferred Sources feature by:
- Encouraging readers to mark them as preferred sources: By promoting their content and encouraging readers to select them as preferred sources, publishers can increase their visibility and drive more traffic to their websites.
- Investing in quality content: To be selected as a preferred source, publishers need to produce high-quality, engaging content that resonates with readers.
Availability and Future Development
The Preferred Sources feature is currently available in English in the US and India. Google plans to expand the feature globally in the coming months. As the feature continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how users and publishers adapt to this new way of consuming and promoting content .
Potential Impact on the Digital News Industry
The Preferred Sources feature has the potential to significantly impact the digital news industry. By giving users more control over their news intake, Google is decentralizing part of its control over what people see first. This could lead to a more curated and trustworthy news experience, where users prioritize outlets they consider reliable .
However, there are also concerns that the feature could reinforce ideological echo chambers, where users only the select sources that align with their existing views. Additionally, the impact on smaller publishers and niche content creators remains to be seen, as they may face challenges in getting selected as preferred sources .
Overall, Google’s Preferred Sources feature is a significant development in the world of online search and news consumption. By providing users with more control over their search experience, Google is empowering them to make informed choices about the content they consume. As the feature continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how users, publishers, and the digital news industry adapt to this new reality.
