If you have a question, there’s a 99% chance the answer can be found on the Internet. Just type the question into Google and voila! You'll be provided with a seemingly endless string of answers. From what to cook for dinner tonight to how to refinish a table, it’s all out there in cyberspace. There are, however, some things that you should never Google. Not only could those searches show up in your online activity, the answers could send you down an endless Internet rabbit hole. Here are a list of things you shouldn’t waste your time Googling.
- 1. Never search for things you don’t want to see in ads later. Maybe you have an odd question about diaper rash ointments for your friend’s baby. If you Google it, there’s a good chance that every time you open a page online, there will be an ad for diaper rash ointments.
- 2. Never search for things that will embarrass you. Let’s say you search for the pros and cons of voting a particular way in a political race. Even if you permanently delete your search, the information could still be used against you. Besides that, you really don’t want ads for those embarrassing inquiries popping up online, especially if your boss is lurking over your shoulder.
- 3. Never search for anything that’s going to incriminate you. If it’s against the law, it’s probably something you shouldn’t Google. It’s now commonplace for law enforcement agencies to analyze the phones, computers and social media of anyone they want to interview.
- 4. Never search for skin conditions. If you’re wondering what that new blemish on your face is, don’t google “round, reddish mole.” It will only bring you a whole lot of information and images that relay some pretty disgusting things. Make an appointment with a dermatologist and get the real story on what’s happening.
- 5. Never search for information about worms. If you’re looking for the best worms for your garden, you’re going to have to be very specific with Google. Otherwise, you’re going to get back some creepy, crawly, and totally disgusting images and information.
- 6. Never search whether a product is safe or not. The Internet has a lot of opinions, with people claiming to be experts on everything. If you’re wondering if a certain product is safe for your skin, to ingest, etc… and you get back a “yes” from some forums and a “no” from others, you might be tempted to swing toward the positive side. It’s best to seek out medical and/or professional advice from the experts and to add this question to your list of things you shouldn’t be Googling.
- 7. Never search your symptoms. Similar to Googling that weird mole on your face, using "Dr. Google" to figure out why your stomach hurts, why you feel tired, or why you’re itchy is going to instill more fear than simply going to see a doctor.
- 8. Never search for translations. How many times have your translations actually panned out when trying them on someone? You likely get a “What?!” from the person you’re trying to impress or communicate with. If the English version of "The Girl from Ipanema" was translated via Google from the original Portuguese, you’d get “Girl in the golden body, sun from Ipanema, the it swung its more than a poem.” Just like that translation, it makes no make sense, so don’t do it.
- 9. Finally…….Never, EVER search “cancer.” Everything seems to be linked to cancer, even owning a dog. Let’s face it, you’re not going to give up Fido, so why tempt yourself with a Google search? If you want to know about cancer, consult with your physician and get the information for someone who knows what they’re talking about.
