‘Squatter camps in South Africa’ Google search results sparks debate
The search engine was taken to task for what many referred to as a biased reflection of squatter camps in the country.
A Google search on ‘Squatter camps in South Africa’ had people on social media in a frenzy.
The search engine was taken to task for what many referred to as a biased reflection of squatter camps in the country owing to the images displayed when the phrase was googled.
https://twitter.com/FifiKnox/status/1007011750259183616
Mpho Sedibe said: ‘Dear Google. Is there a fact-checking function before content is loaded? The search results for ‘squatter camps in South Africa’ is beyond the scope of gross misrepresentation. Next thing Google street view will show wild animals in the city at the stop sign’.
DJ AndyX said: ‘Hey Google, I was born in South Africa and your version of squatter camps in South Africa does not exist.’
SelloWillyM™ tweeted: ‘I always said Google is not the best reliable source of information because it depends on what ‘we’ people feed it.
https://www.facebook.com/gregory.brown.73997/posts/822573141261981
However, hazelbirdzinhle argues that ‘it’s the fault of the people who put the information on Google. The hashtag and key words they use for the pictures they upload is what will pop up first when you search. Google doesn’t regulate what Tom posts, it just directs you to it.’
Guys either something doesn't add up or there is more than one 'South Africa'…
Google : squatter camps in South Africa. 😕 pic.twitter.com/XQxzYZAZiP
— Remember this name.. (@kikimasibi) June 13, 2018
Siphe Macanda agreed, saying ‘search engines use algorithms that search for specific words and phrases. If the phrase ‘Squatter camps in South Africa’ has been continuously used to depict a certain view or narrative, then images of such narrative will come up.’
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