Google Search Results
A few weeks back, an old high school classmate committed suicide. The whole story was very sad. In my attempts to wrestle with the issues that surrounded his actions, I naturally (in our technology era) sought information from the Internet. Was suicide on the rise? Did socioeconomic issues play a part? Age? Gender? Should I worry about family members? A host of questions flooded the left side of my brain.
Typing a few words, my inquiry was immediately met with a suggestion that I call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for assistance. OMG – they think I want to commit suicide. My “great conspiracy” thoughts immediately leaped into action thinking that Google was at that moment notifying my health and life insurance carriers to cancel my policies. These insurance companies would then notify the financial institutions to cancel my credit cards and other revolving debt. The financial institutions would notify the credit reporting agencies to have my credit score lowered to single digits. The “butterfly effect” was in motion!
Google implemented a feature last week that automatically displays a bright red, eye-catching telephone icon and the phone number for a suicide hotline atop search results for some queries that contain the word “suicide.” When users type some suicide-related queries, Google guides them to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. On the surface, admirable – public service – looking out after us and the ones we care.
BUT, this should be worrisome to us on many levels. First, suicides must be on a rise if these actions are needed. Secondly, “Hal” [from 2001 Space Odyssey] can attempt to predict our actions based on typed inquiries – even more so if they begin to share that data with anyone (internal or external of that organization). Remember these are organizations that are constantly being brought up on charges for releasing personal information about us to others!
I know… what about terrorist? What about those seeking to harm others? Catch them – any means possible! Oooppps – just violated the very actions I condemn. Well, not sure of the answers to these questions… just concerned about the “slippery slope” on where we seem to have landed.
So if I want to know how to do something, never look it up on the internet? Example, learning how to make a drink like “sex on the beach” – would unleash the vice cops? Or, ATF? Or, would require my name be posted on the sorority bulletin boards as a persona non grata?
Some subjects are best discussed in person. Be it with a friend, relative or trained professional. While the internet is a great informational tool it in no way compares to human interaction and compassion. I strongly encourage anyone in need of help to reach out to those around them and if you feel as if there is no one, please visit a local church. Best Wishes.