Improving your Google Search Skills (With IVAN MAYRINA)

Summary

Ivan Mayrina, a media professional, shares tips to enhance Google search efficiency. He introduces fun Easter eggs like 'Google Gravity' and 'Do a barrel roll,' then delves into practical advice: using quotation marks for exact phrases, the minus sign to exclude terms, and modifiers like 'filetype:' for specific file types. He also advises using formal language, keeping searches concise, and verifying information to avoid fake news, emphasizing the importance of accurate online research.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Use quotation marks to find exact phrases or sentences.
• ➖ Use the dash (-) to exclude specific words from search results.
• 📄 Use 'filetype:' to search for specific file types like PDFs.
• 🖼️ Utilize Google Images, Videos, News, and Shopping for specific content types.
• 🛠️ Use Tools to filter search results by date, region, and other criteria.
• 📚 Visit Google Scholar for academic and research articles.
• 💡 Combine search terms with 'filetype: pdf' on Google Scholar for free full-text articles.
• 📈 Use common and formal words for better search results.
• 🏁 Keep search queries short and concise to avoid overwhelming Google.
• ⚠️ Be cautious of fake news and always fact-check information found online.

Q & A

What is the main challenge mentioned in the script when it comes to searching for information on the internet?

The main challenge is the overwhelming amount of information that can be confusing and the presence of fake news, which adds to the confusion.

What is the first tip provided by Ivan Mayrina to make Google searches more effective?

The first tip is to use quotation marks to search for exact words or sentences, which helps in finding results containing the exact phrase entered.

How does the use of a dash or hyphen in Google searches differ from using quotation marks?

Using a dash or hyphen is the opposite of using quotation marks; it tells Google to exclude results that include the words following the dash, acting like a minus sign.

What is the purpose of using modifiers like 'filetype:' in Google searches?

Modifiers like 'filetype:' are used to specify the type of file you are looking for, such as PDFs, to get more accurate and relevant search results.

Why is it recommended to use specific tabs like Images, Videos, or News when searching on Google?

Using specific tabs helps to narrow down the search to the type of content you are looking for, making it easier to find relevant information quickly.

What is the role of Google Scholar in finding academic or research articles?

Google Scholar is a specialized search engine for academic literature and research papers, which can provide more credible and scholarly sources compared to general Google searches.

What is the suggested strategy when you cannot find the information you are looking for on Google Scholar?

If you can't find the information, try adding 'filetype: pdf' to your search query to access full articles in PDF or HTML format that are freely available.

Why is it advised to use formal or professional words in your search queries?

Using formal or professional words in search queries can lead to more accurate and relevant results because these terms are more likely to be used in authoritative sources.

What is the importance of keeping search items short and concise according to the script?

Keeping search items short and concise is important because it makes the search process easier and less tiring for the user, and it can prevent the search from returning no results due to overly specific or long queries.

What is the final advice given by Ivan Mayrina regarding the dissemination of information found online?

The final advice is to be cautious of fake news, to fact-check information before sharing, and to ensure that the stories posted are correct and true to avoid misleading others.

What is the significance of the 'Media Literacy Project of UP Diliman' mentioned in the script?

The 'Media Literacy Project of UP Diliman' is significant as it is the initiative behind the educational content provided in the script, aiming to improve people's ability to find, understand, and create media content.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Google Search Tips and Tricks

Ivan Mayrina, a reporter and news anchor, discusses the evolution of research from traditional libraries to the internet, particularly Google. He introduces fun Easter eggs like 'Google Gravity' and 'Do a barrel roll' before diving into serious tips to enhance Google search skills. He explains the use of quotation marks for exact phrase searches, the hyphen to exclude terms, and modifiers like 'filetype:' to find specific file types. Ivan also suggests using Google Images, Videos, News, and Shopping for targeted searches and advises on using Google Scholar for academic research, with a tip on accessing full articles by adding 'filetype: pdf'.

05:01

📈 Advanced Google Search Techniques

In the second paragraph, Ivan Mayrina continues to share advanced Google search techniques. He advises on using Google News with tools like 'Tools' to filter by date and region for specific information, such as the inflation rate in the Philippines. He also introduces Google Scholar for academic research, emphasizing the importance of using formal and professional terms in searches. Ivan suggests keeping search queries short and concise to avoid exhaustion and lack of results, and advises on refining searches when necessary. He concludes with a reminder to be cautious of fake news and to fact-check information before sharing, emphasizing the power and responsibility of media literacy.

Keywords

💡Research

Research is the systematic investigation and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. In the context of the video, research is a critical part of the media's work, emphasizing the importance of accurate and reliable information gathering. The video suggests that while traditional research involved libraries and books, the internet, particularly Google, has become the primary tool for research among the youth.

💡Google Search

Google Search refers to the act of using Google's search engine to find information on the internet. The video highlights Google Search as a ubiquitous tool for modern research, but also points out the challenges of navigating the vast amount of information available. The script provides tips to improve the effectiveness of Google searches, emphasizing the need for discernment in the digital age.

💡Quotation Marks

Quotation marks are used in writing to indicate direct speech or a specific term. In the context of the video, they serve a similar function in Google Search to find exact phrases or sentences. The video uses the example of verifying a quote by former president Rodrigo Duterte to illustrate how quotation marks can be used to ensure the accuracy of information.

💡Dash or Hyphen

In the context of the video, the dash or hyphen is used in Google Search as a way to exclude certain terms from the search results, acting as a 'minus' sign. This feature is highlighted as a tool to refine searches, such as excluding Wikipedia entries when researching for academic purposes, ensuring that the information found is more credible and less prone to being edited by the public.

💡Modifiers

Modifiers in the context of the video refer to search operators like 'filetype:' that can be used to specify the type of file or website one is looking for. This keyword is crucial as it helps users to narrow down their search results to the exact format they need, such as a PDF from a government agency, which is mentioned in the script as an example.

💡Google Scholar

Google Scholar is a search engine that indexes scholarly literature across many publishing formats and disciplines. The video positions Google Scholar as a resource for academic and research-oriented searches, suggesting that it provides a more focused set of results compared to general Google searches. It also mentions the need to pay for some articles, but offers a tip on how to access free PDFs or HTML documents.

💡Fake News

Fake News refers to false information or propaganda presented as news. The video addresses the issue of fake news as a significant problem in the digital information landscape, cautioning viewers to be vigilant about the authenticity of the information they encounter. This keyword is integral to the video's message of promoting media literacy and critical thinking.

💡Media Literacy

Media Literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using all forms of communication. The video is part of the Media Literacy Project of UP Diliman, indicating that the script's overall theme is to educate viewers on how to be discerning consumers of media. Media literacy is emphasized as a skill necessary to navigate the complexities of information in the modern world.

💡Exact Information

Exact Information refers to the specific details or data one is seeking. The video provides various tips and tricks to help users find the exact information they need through Google Search. This keyword is central to the video's educational purpose, as it aims to equip viewers with the skills to conduct effective and precise online searches.

💡Concise

Concise refers to the quality of being brief and to the point. In the context of the video, conciseness is recommended when formulating search queries to make them more effective and to avoid overwhelming both the user and the search engine with too much information. The video suggests that keeping searches short and concise can lead to better results.

💡Fact-Check

Fact-Check is the act of verifying the accuracy of statements. The video encourages viewers to research and fact-check information before sharing it, especially in the context of social media. This keyword is highlighted as a crucial practice to combat the spread of misinformation and to ensure the integrity of the information shared.

Highlights

The internet has changed research habits, with Google becoming the primary tool for the youth.

Google Gravity and 'Do a barrel roll' are fun Easter eggs in Google Search.

The challenge of finding exact information on Google due to the overwhelming amount of data.

Fake news adds to the confusion when searching for information on Google.

Quotation marks can be used in Google Search for exact word or sentence matches.

The dash or hyphen acts as a minus sign to exclude certain words from search results.

Modifiers like 'filetype:' can be used to find specific file types.

Google has different search options for images, videos, news, and products.

Google Scholar is a resource for journal articles and research studies.

Using 'filetype: pdf' in Google Scholar can help access full articles for free.

Common and formal words are more effective in searches than colloquial terms.

Short and concise search terms are recommended over long and complex ones.

Adding more words to a search can help refine results when initial searches are unsuccessful.

The importance of being cautious about fake news when using Google.

These tips and tricks aim to make Google searches more effective and less confusing.

The significance of fact-checking and researching before sharing information online.

The Media Literacy Project of UP Diliman promotes accurate and truthful information sharing.

Transcripts

Hello, how are you? I’m Ivan Mayrina, a reporter and television news anchor.

Research is a part of our work in the media.

During my time as a student, that was a long time ago.

Whenever we research something, we go to the library and use books.

But now, because of the internet, the youth primarily use Google for research.

It only takes one click and you have the information need.

But because of the countless things we see on the internet, it’s confusing sometimes, right?

Don’t worry, I have a solution for that.

I learned features in Google to ease and help your Google Search Skills.

Before we go to the serious lesson, let’s have fun first.

Have you tried typing “Google Gravity” in the Google search

and then clicking “I’m Feeling Lucky”?

Look at this.

Look! It fell!

Here I have another one.

Try searching: “Do a barrel roll.”

Did that make you dizzy? Do you know what’s even more dizzying?

The countless information in Google!

Sometimes, searching for the exact information we are looking for on Google is hard.

On top of that, there’s fake news. It adds to the confusion!

But don’t worry, aside from the fun Google features,

there are plenty of hidden features to make searching easy.

Here are some tips and tricks to make your Google search more effective.

Tip No. 1: Quotation marks!

Quotation marks are used for exact words or sentences said by a person.

It has the same use in Google. When you put the information you want to search inside quotation marks,

Google will show results containing the exact words or sentence you entered.

For instance, while scrolling through social media, you saw a post that has a quote from a well-known person.

You can use quotation marks in Google search to verify if the person said it.

Let’s try it. Let’s type in a quote that supposedly came from former president Rodrigo Duterte,

“I will ride a jet ski, bring have the Philippine flag nd I will go to their airport and plant it there.”

Did he say this?

See? It is true.

He said this while he was campaigning last 2016 but after a few years,

he said that it was only a joke.

Tip No. 2: If quotation marks are for including everything you searched for,

then the dash or hyphen does the opposite.

Let’s think of it as a minus sign.

Google removes results that include the words attached after the minus sign.

For example, when writing a term paper or thesis, teachers prohibit the use of Wikipedia.

Since it’s easy for anyone to edit or change the information in Wikipedia.

Let’s say that your assignment is the life of Rizal

but you cannot use Wikipedia.

You will search: Jose Rizal minus Wiki

or Jose Rizal minus Wikipedia.

Google removes all results with the word Wiki and Wikipedia,

including the Wikipedia entry of Rizal’s life. Get it?

Tip No. 3. Aside from punctuation marks, there are also modifiers

to get the exact type of file you need.

Just like ‘filetype:’, ‘website:’, and many more.

You can use it to verify any information you read online.

For example, you want to see a particular document from a government agency.

You can do so in Google Search.

Example, let’s type in “2023 DOH budget filetype: pdf."

Look, because we put in ‘filetype: pdf,’ the first and most of the results Google showed are pdf documents.

Tip No. 4: If you’re looking for pictures, go straight to the Images,

For videos, go to videos;

For news, go to news; For products, go to Shopping;

and there are other options when you click “More.”

If you already know what you want to get, Google will give you that.

Except for your crush or your dream. Google cannot give you that.

Anyway, as long as you know what to click and where to go,

Google will show you that.

When you click Tools, you further filter out your search based on the length,

when, and where the article you’re looking for was published.

For example, you want to know the inflation rate last October 2022.

You just search “inflation rate”, go to the news,

click on Tools, set the country to the Philippines, and set the time range

to when the information you’re looking for was published.

You can also change the order of the news shown.

Tip No. 5: If you need journal articles or research studies, just go to Google Scholar.

It’s like Google. But it sounds smarter, right? Google Scholar.

However, you need to pay for some articles to view the whole content.

But here’s my tip for you. If you’re using Google Scholar, put “filetype: pdf”

after whatever you’re searching for. When the results have a pdf or HTML,

you can access the full article.

Let’s say you’re working on an overpopulation research.

Search “Overpopulation pdf” and you’ll get numerous sources of information!

Whether it’s Google or Google Scholar, the terms you’re using for the search items are important.

Tip No. 6: To get the main information you’re looking for,

it’s better to type in words used often on websites.

These are the ones that sound more formal or professional.

Rather than searching, “How did Rizal bite the dust?” or “How did Rizal expire?”

Look at the results.

Why not use “How did Rizal die?” The answers are better, right?

Tip No. 7. Keep the search item short and concise.

I know that you want to get the exact information you’re looking for but take it easy.

Instead of typing “How much does a kilo of red onion cost in Cebu City?”

You can search “red onions price Cebu City."

You and Google will both be tired because of the long searches you put in.

Apart from that, there may be no results shown because of the long searches you put in.

That’s harder!

So keep it short and concise.

When you still can’t find the information you’re looking for, that’s when you should add some words in.

There are tons of information you can get from Google

but not all are useful.

That’s why you need to learn how to make every Google search more effective.

Of course, this includes being cautious to not become a victim of fake news.

With the help of these tips and tricks,

you’ll no longer be confused searching on the internet.

Every entry you make in the search bar becomes more meaningful

and every information you need reaches you faster —

information that is accurate, relevant, true, and will not mislead you.

For every like and share, make it a habit to research and fact-check!

Remember that our stories are powerful.

Before we post anything, make sure that it’s correct and true.

This is Ivan Mayrina for the Media Literacy Project of UP Diliman.