The Trillion Dollar Opportunity: Why We Collect and the Power of Subjective Searches

The Trillion Dollar Opportunity: Why We Collect and the Power of Subjective Searches

Why do we collect things? Love, anxiety, or desire. This question has fascinated psychologists and researchers for years. In fact, about a third of people in the UK collect something. But what drives this behavior?

One explanation is the endowment effect, which describes our tendency to value things more once we own them. It's as if our possessions become a part of us, giving us a sense of identity and self-worth. This idea is supported by psychoanalytical theories that suggest collecting is a way for unloved children to seek comfort in accumulating belongings. The collection becomes an extension of our identity, providing a sense of security and permanence.

But collecting is not just about love and comfort. It can also be driven by existential anxieties. The idea that our collection will live on, even after we are gone, offers a sense of immortality. It's a way for us to leave a lasting legacy and ensure that a part of us continues to exist in the world.

Now, let's shift our focus to the digital realm. A trillion dollar opportunity lies in the world of subjective searches. Roughly half of our search activity is subjective, meaning we are not looking for specific facts or answers. Instead, we are searching for ideas, opinions, recommendations, and advice. We crave the perspectives of others because it deepens our understanding and broadens our worldview.

Interestingly, the best subjective search content often resides outside the realm of SEO optimized websites and big media publications. It thrives on forums, long-tail blogs, social media platforms, and review sites. These are the places where people freely interact and share their thoughts, creating a rich tapestry of information and insights.

This presents a challenge for Google, whose business model relies heavily on displaying a page of links and PPC ads. As our subjective search activity shifts towards platforms like Reddit, Twitter, HackerNews, TikTok, and Pinterest, Google faces the innovator's dilemma. How can they adapt to this changing landscape and continue to provide value to users?

One possible solution lies in embracing the fun and interactive nature of subjective searches. Users may come in search of something specific, but they stay for the entertaining conversations and games that unfold. Imagine a search engine that not only provides accurate results but also offers a commenting feature, allowing users to engage in lively discussions and share their thoughts.

Customizable user control is another key aspect of this trillion dollar opportunity. Empowering users to personalize their search experience by customizing the algorithm, results, and UI can enhance satisfaction and engagement. For example, users could have the option to never see recipes from Martha Stewart or have more Reddit threads surfaced in their search results.

The social element is also crucial. Allowing users to see what their friends or people they follow are searching and interested in can foster a sense of community and connection. Additionally, users could curate cool information, sites, or content they find and share it publicly, creating an ongoing taste board that reflects their interests and preferences.

In conclusion, the world of subjective searches presents a trillion dollar opportunity. Google, and other search engines, must adapt to this changing landscape by embracing the interactive and entertaining nature of subjective searches. Customizable user control and social features can enhance the search experience and foster a sense of community. As we move forward, it will be exciting to see how search engines evolve to meet the needs and desires of users in this ever-changing digital age.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Embrace subjective searches: Don't just focus on providing factual information. Recognize the value of ideas, opinions, and recommendations in enhancing the search experience.

• 2. Personalize the search experience: Allow users to customize the algorithm, results, and UI to suit their preferences. This will empower users and increase satisfaction.

• 3. Foster a sense of community: Incorporate social features that enable users to see what their friends or people they follow are searching and interested in. This creates a sense of connection and enhances engagement.

Welcome to Glasp, where the future of search begins.