Google's Response to Controversy Surrounding Forum Results in Search

SEO professionals are expressing concerns about Google’s discussions and forums carousel in search results. They fear that the visibility of forum content could potentially result in spreading misinformation and scams.

Danny Sullivan, Google’s Search Liaison, has taken note of these concerns. He has mentioned that the feedback regarding this issue has been forwarded for additional evaluation.

Sullivan also talked about the wider issue of forum content, pointing out that even though some people may not like it, many users actually enjoy and look for it.

This article delves into the impact of the new carousel feature and the possible advantages and obstacles it brings.

Concerns Raised Regarding Forum Content In Search Results

The introduction of the discussions and forums carousel has made some question Google’s commitment to surfacing reliable information.

Lily Ray, a prominent figure in the SEO community, raised this issue on Twitter, stating, “Isn’t this a bit dangerous for Google?”

Serious question for you @searchliaison:

For over 6 years, Google has emphasized the importance of E-A-T for YMYL queries, such as "weight loss." During this time, authoritative sites like the CDC and Harvard have consistently ranked well for these topics.

She pointed out that Reddit, in particular, has been “overtaken by affiliate spam and scammers.”

Google’s Response

Sullivan clarified that the carousel shows up on its own if the systems believe it could be helpful and relevant. It's not a case of someone deciding to prioritize it for a specific query. I understand that you might have had concerns about this, and I acknowledge the issue.

— Google SearchLiaison (@searchliaison) April 3, 2024

However, some users pushed back on this explanation.

Twitter user @sc_kkw believes that if users actively search for it, they should be able to find it easily. It's more convenient for users to simply add 'Reddit' to their search than for those who don't want forum answers to have to search through various websites.

Sullivan's stance is that the main objective is to display relevant content, whether it be from forums, blogs, or websites.

He shares a personal search experience where forum results helped him fix a problem with smart window blinds, showing how valuable this content can be.

Some people actively look for content, while others are happy to see relevant content like forums, blogs, or websites in their search results. It's like when you search for news - you don't always have to type in the exact...

— Google SearchLiaison (@searchliaison) April 3, 2024

Potential Improvements On The Way?

Sullivan reassured Ray that he had addressed her concern and relayed it to the search team. He also suggested some possible enhancements, like changing how often forum content is posted for certain questions or including disclaimers to make it clear that forum members are not medical experts.

I understand the point and concern you raised. Let me clarify that we don't just show content because users like it, regardless of relevancy. Now, let me address some of those points again:

We want to make sure that any content we display in search results, including forum content, is...

— Google SearchLiaison (@searchliaison) April 3, 2024

Why SEJ Cares

The discussions and forums carousel showing up in search results, especially for YMYL queries, can affect both users and publishers:

User trust is at stake when forum content with false information or scams is prominently displayed in search results. This could lead to a decrease in user trust in Google's ability to deliver trustworthy information.

SEO professionals and creators who have put effort into creating high-quality, authoritative content may feel disheartened when forum content consistently ranks higher than their work.

The dissemination of incorrect information through forum content has the potential to negatively impact users who depend on search results for accurate medical information, affecting public health and well-being.

How This Can Help You

Despite the concerns raised, the inclusion of forum content in search results can present opportunities, such as:

Analyzing the questions and discussions in forums can help you identify content gaps and create targeted resources to address user needs. Engaging with the community by providing accurate information can establish your brand as a trustworthy authority in your niche, potentially increasing visibility and traffic.

In Summary

Adapt your content strategy by including user-generated content like expert interviews and case studies. This will offer users firsthand experiences and perspectives that are valuable in forum discussions.

Google's discussions and forums carousel in search results has sparked worry among SEO experts. Google has taken note of the feedback and is looking into ways to enhance the feature.

This situation poses both challenges and chances for SEO professionals to pinpoint content gaps, interact with the community, and adjust content strategies to better meet users' requirements.

Featured Image: pathdoc/Shutterstock

Editor's P/S:

The introduction of Google's discussions and forums carousel in search results has ignited concerns among SEO professionals, who fear the spread of misinformation and scams due to the visibility of forum content. While Google acknowledges these concerns, it also highlights the value of forum content for many users. The company is considering potential improvements, such as adjusting the frequency of forum content display and adding disclaimers. This development presents both challenges and opportunities for SEO professionals, who must navigate the evolving landscape of content visibility and user engagement.

It remains crucial for Google to balance the accessibility of diverse perspectives with the responsibility of providing reliable information. The dissemination of false information can have severe consequences, particularly in YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) queries. By carefully evaluating the concerns raised, Google can improve the carousel feature to enhance user trust and support responsible content creation.