Google, not OpenAI, is a Google-killer

An illustration of what's wrong with the google search algorithm

I recently needed to look up how to sort a Python list with a custom comparator (specifically, to sort a list according to absolute value). Simple enough query, I know that you can supply a lambda, I just want to see an example to double check that I’m writing valid code. So like most people, I decided to open up Google:

From the results, the first one is a SO link. The first few words don’t give me the answer so I assume that they’re asking about a specific quirk, that would be far beyond what I’m asking for. The next link is a learnpython link, which I assume will be OK - in the past, I’ve looked up links on realpython and programiz and found them to be relatively high yield.

The page opens with a giant, 0-information header:

Scrolling down, I see an intro into what sorting is, and then an ad for a basic python course.

Next, the article talks about the difference between sort and sorted

Finally, on the 4th screen-length down, I find the single nugget of information I am looking for.

To get to this piece of information, I had to scroll through 4 screen-lengths of boilerplate SEO spam and un-useful content. If someone is asking for a custom comparator, why do they need to know the difference between sort and sorted?

I completely zone out if I can’t find the answer within 1, max 2-screen lengths and as it turns out, I quickly backed-out of the page to find a higher information density source that doesn’t waste my time.

Now, when I ask ChatGPT the same query:

It gives me exactly what I’m looking for; incidentally, also the exact function (abs) that I wanted to run.

This simple example finally struck a cord with why I dislike Google search and don’t use it to find answers to questions anymore: too much SEO spam.

For anyone working at Google - people aren’t using OpenAI cause it’s interactive or cool. They’re using it because it gives (mostly) correct information succinctly, which used to be what Google gave. People are willing to use it despite the fact that it could wildly hallucinate, because it solves their need for quick information at their fingertips.

John