A Trillion Dollar Opportunity: Subjective Search and the Future of Google

A Trillion Dollar Opportunity: Subjective Search and the Future of Google

Life doesn't always make sense, but we often find solace in the stories we create. This is especially true when it comes to our online search activity. Roughly half of the searches we conduct can be classified as "subjective" - queries that are not for facts or specific results, but rather for ideas, opinions, recommendations, and advice.

Subjective searches don't have cut and dry answers. They are the conversations we seek, the perspectives that deepen our understanding of the world. And interestingly, the best subjective search content often resides on forums, long-tail blogs, social media, and review sites. It is not readily surfaced on Google's SEO-optimized websites or big media publications. It is where people interact and freely share their thoughts.

In recent years, my own subjective search activity has been steadily shifting to platforms like Reddit, Twitter, HackerNews, TikTok, and Pinterest. And this shift presents a trillion dollar opportunity. Google, the search giant, may face the innovator's dilemma as its business model heavily relies on displaying a page of links littered with keyword auctions and PPC ads. The real value lies in subjective search domains where Google is weakest, and in categories where accuracy is less critical, such as fashion, food, and entertainment.

The potential lies in creating search experiences that are not only informative but also entertaining. Users come in search of something specific, but they stay for the fun and interactive conversations. Imagine a search engine that feels more like a social platform, complete with a commenting feature and games to keep users engaged. The customizable user control would empower individuals to personalize the algorithm, results, and UI. They could tailor their search experience to never see recipes from Martha Stewart or surface more Reddit threads. The ability to downvote and upvote results would allow users to curate their own taste board, sharing cool information, sites, or content they find with others.

This is where Glasp, a hypothetical search engine, comes into play. By combining the power of subjective search with customizable user control and a social aspect, Glasp could revolutionize the way we search and discover information. It taps into the trillion dollar opportunity by providing a platform that caters to the human desire for both knowledge and entertainment.

Now, let's switch gears and delve into the world of storytelling. Fiction, as we know, must make more sense than real life for readers to find it credible. In real life, things happen without apparent reasons or evident causes. But in fiction, every event must have a cause, and every cause must have an effect. This notion is often referred to as "Chekhov's Gun" - the idea that if a loaded rifle is placed on the stage, it must eventually be fired. In other words, promises in fiction must be fulfilled.

This stark contrast between fiction and real life highlights the appeal of stories. They make more sense than reality itself. However, we often fail to recognize these blind spots in our own lives. We think we can cheat the system, beat the odds, and have our cake and eat it too. We love hearing about people who manage to do just that because it gives us hope that maybe we don't have to do the things we don't want to do.

But the truth is, the best parts of life are often hidden behind great efforts. We may know exactly what we need to do to achieve our goals, but taking that first step in the right direction can be incredibly challenging. Life doesn't always make sense, but pretending that it does can help us overcome these mental hurdles.

So, as we navigate the trillion dollar opportunity in subjective search and the power of storytelling, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace the subjective: Instead of relying solely on objective facts and results, explore the subjective realm of ideas, opinions, and conversations. Seek out forums, social media platforms, and review sites where people freely share their thoughts. There is immense value in the perspectives of others.

2. Engage with interactive content: Look for search experiences that go beyond mere information retrieval. Find platforms that offer entertainment, games, and interactive conversations. These immersive experiences not only make search more enjoyable but also keep you engaged for longer.

3. Recognize the value of effort: Life's most meaningful moments often require hard work and perseverance. Don't shy away from putting in the necessary effort to achieve your goals. Remember that the best parts of life are often hidden behind those initial challenging steps.

In conclusion, the future of search lies in subjective queries and the ability to create personalized, entertaining, and interactive search experiences. This trillion dollar opportunity challenges Google's traditional model and opens the door for platforms like Glasp to revolutionize the way we search for information. As we navigate this landscape, let's also remember the power of storytelling and the lessons it can teach us about life. Embrace the subjective, engage with interactive content, and recognize the value of effort. Life may not always make sense, but by pretending that it does, we can find the motivation and inspiration to create our own meaningful narratives.