Brave Search Goggles: Alter search rankings with rules and filters (github.com)

Article summary

Brave Search has introduced a feature called Goggles, which allows users to create and apply custom rules and filters to alter search rankings. This enables users to counter intrinsic biases in search results and create custom search experiences. Goggles can be created, shared, and applied by anyone, and they are owned solely by their creators. The feature is designed to provide an open and collaborative system for defining search result spaces.

Main themes

• Customizable search results
• Bias mitigation
• Echo chambers
• Search engine transparency
• User control
• Misinformation mitigation

What commenters say

• Some commenters see Goggles as a way to counteract the echo chamber effect by allowing users to curate their own search results.
• Others argue that Goggles could potentially create more echo chambers if users only select results that confirm their biases.
• There is a concern that Goggles could be used to promote misinformation or low-quality content.
• Some users appreciate the ability to customize their search results and see Goggles as a step towards more transparent and user-controlled search engines.
• A few commenters note that similar features have been available in other search engines, such as Google Custom Search.
• The potential for Goggles to be used to exclude or downrank certain types of content, such as StackExchange spam, is seen as a positive development by some.
• Others are concerned about the potential for Goggles to be used to manipulate search results for malicious purposes.
• The ability to subscribe to or discover new Goggles is seen as a desirable feature by some commenters.