The Indicator from Planet Money The dawn of search engines
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May 26, 2025 Explore the fascinating origins and evolution of search engines, starting from their rudimentary beginnings to the revolutionary impact of Google. Discover user frustrations that sparked innovation and delve into the genius of the PageRank algorithm. Learn how Google transformed online advertising with AdWords, reshaping how we access information and interact with content. The discussion also critiques modern internet practices and suggests improvements for more accessible information in our digital world.
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Early Search Engine Challenges
- Early search engines ranked pages by keyword frequency, which led to manipulative tactics like keyword stuffing.
- Users had to learn complex syntax to exclude spam and find relevant results.
The Birth of Google’s PageRank
- Stephen Levy met Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who explained PageRank's innovation.
- They built their servers with Lego and analyzed link structures to rank web pages effectively.
Google Thrived in a Competitive Internet
- Google's emergence showed the internet had space for new innovation with accessible tech and funding.
- Competition among many search engines pushed Google to develop the best product, leading users to switch.
