Decoder with Nilay Patel Why Google Search feels like it’s gotten worse
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Mar 14, 2024 
Mia Sato, a Verge platforms reporter specializing in Google Search and SEO, joins to discuss the evolution and current state of Google Search. They dive into how aggressive SEO tactics are reshaping online content, often at the expense of quality. Sato reveals the ethical dilemmas of content creation in today's digital landscape, especially with AI's rise. The conversation also highlights Google's struggle with spam and the challenges it faces in maintaining search quality as users explore alternative platforms.
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HouseFresh vs. Big Publishers
- HouseFresh, a website reviewing air purifiers, struggles to rank on Google.
- Larger publishers with less expertise dominate search results for "best" product queries.
The Broken Promise of the Internet
- The internet promises that expertise can thrive, like a dedicated air purifier site.
- Google's dominance creates pressure to prioritize SEO over quality content.
Big Publishers and SEO Spam
- Big publishers exploit SEO to gain search traffic, even without expertise.
- They create low-effort content farms targeting high-traffic keywords, like "best leggings."