The advent of the internet has transformed our approach to seeking answers.
Whether contemplating the consequences of microwaving a smartphone, finding out if a celebrity is still alive, confirming the side effects of the COVID vaccines, or wondering about the legality of eating someone else's lunch at work (it could be considered petty theft, “but the value of a lunch wouldn't reach the threshold for criminal charges in most cases,” says Google Gemini), the online realm is a playground of peculiar inquiries and rapid responses.
Before the internet, satisfying our curiosity necessitated effort. We’d ask someone, or call or go to the library. Particularly in the 1980s, libraries were promoted as more than just repositories of books. Libraries were seen as places that offered a wide range of services and resources. Librarians were portrayed as helpful guides who could assist with research, finding books, and navigating the library's resources.
I draw cartoons that feature animals. How do you draw a panda? Before the web, I remember going to the kids section at the library and checking out books about animals. Now, if I forget which parts of the panda are black and which are white, I just look at pictures collected from the web.
In our search for answers before the web existed, we’d also consult encyclopedias, look in a specific section of a newspaper or books we had on hand, or listen to radio shows. (And call the radio station to get an answer to our questions.)
Before the era of instant online searches, trivia enthusiasts and knowledge seekers relied on various forms of entertainment and media to test their wits and satisfy their curiosity.
The 1980s marked the debut of Trivial Pursuit, a board game that became a cultural phenomenon, challenging players with questions across various categories.
Television quiz shows featuring panels of experts, college students, or everyday individuals competing for prizes by answering trivia questions have been a staple since the 1950s. In the 1980s, these shows continued to thrive, captivating audiences with their unique format that blended intellectual challenge with entertainment. Shows like Jeopardy remained popular during this time, maintaining the tradition of showcasing the knowledge and skills of contestants.
Additionally, radio question-and-answer contests were a staple of the airwaves, where listeners eagerly dialed in to test their knowledge and win prizes.
However, before the internet, our questions often remained unanswered due to limited resources and limited time, and we’d give up, deeming our questions trivial anyway.
Throughout history, we’ve employed various methods to find answers to our questions, from consulting ancient texts to seeking advice from knowledgeable individuals within our communities. Although we may not delve into the specific practices of information gathering in different historical periods, the comparison between traditional methods and the transformative impact of the digital age highlights the profound changes in how we access and interact with information today.
The emergence of the internet revolutionized access to information.
Search engines like Google and Yahoo! provided instant answers faster than a meme goes viral. Wondering about the peculiar aroma of outer space or how to cook a perfect steak? Answers came quicker with the debut of Google's autocomplete feature in 2008, which preemptively anticipated search queries as you type. Google's autocomplete suggests completions based on factors like popular searches, frequently searched terms, and the user's search history. While not all searches trigger suggestions, Google's algorithms prioritize relevance, search volume, and other criteria.
Online platforms, including encyclopedias, wikis, social media, and forums, facilitated global connectivity and encouraged open dialogue. Mobile devices enabled on-the-go inquiries, while the expectation of immediate answers became ingrained.
Quantitative metrics and cultural shifts have evidenced an increase in question-asking behavior post-internet.
The internet has become our trusty sidekick, standing by to tackle even the quirkiest of questions, offering answers to the mysteries that pique our interest.
So, the next time an odd query crosses your mind, your generative AI search site will sift through the glut of information out there and present you with a (usually) coherent answer.