THE SEARCH ENGINE GETS UPGRADED!
The Google search engine has for some time been a vital part of the Internet. It’s a catalyst to other informational sites, like Wikipedia, Youtube and Yahoo! Answers, and although there are doubts about the reliability of some of these search results, it’s a relatively trusted source of information for quick fact-checking and details on any and every subject, making the lives of people of all genders, demographics and ages much easier.
Google will now be able to share info on more than 900 sicknesses and diseases. Health conditions and queries were already a huge part of Google searches, and this new development allows a more direct connection to assert people of the meaning of their symptoms and tips on how to proceed. The new feature, first introduced in February, incorporates data from many sources including actual doctors, and, by typing in treatments, conditions or prevalence, Google will now be able to identify exactly what disease may or may not be present and how to treat it. In fact, search results will even allow you to save a PDF file for users to take to consultations with doctors.
IT WON’T ONLY DIAGNOSE A COLD
This will not only cover the common cold and basic infections. It will also go so far as diagnosing the Dengue fever, Chikungunya and other tropical diseases common in developing countries.
HOW ARE OTHER WEBSITES REACTING?
This new feature has caused a lot of buzz in regards to the standing of sites like Wikipedia on this matter, and there have been claims that Wikipedia specifically has suffered drops in relevance since the change has been implemented. Jimmy Wales, co-founder of the site, denies such claims and the rumors that Google is penalizing the site, but he did state that there is a clear long term issue with Google and its steady path to narrowing in around Wikipedia.
Either way, Google is coming a few steps closer into becoming a mass source for any and every kind of information out there, connecting words from the mouths of real life physicians into their engine to soothe the hypochondriac and to aid the sick.
