The compulsion to Google symptoms is something we've all succumbed to, whether it is a minor issue like a sore ear or concern about a new mole on our face. Unfortunately, online search results often present worst-case scenarios, causing unnecessary anxiety and fear. Self-diagnosing can lead to stress and may provide misleading or inaccurate information. When faced with health issues, it's wise to consult with a healthcare professional rather than relying on Google, which cannot replace their expertise.
2. Personal and confidential information
Searching for personal or secret information about individuals, whether for malicious or curious reasons, is a violation of privacy that can have serious implications. This includes looking for someone's social security number, bank account information, personal emails, or any other non-public information.
Unauthorized access to personal data or sharing sensitive material without consent is a violation of privacy regulations that can lead to legal action as well as reputational harm. It is essential to respect people's personal information while still protecting your own sensitive data.
3. Malware and hacking tutorials
It's unethical and risky to search for malware and hacking information. Tutorials or guides on hacking, phishing, or building harmful software might lead to unlawful activity. Hacking and cybercrime can lead to criminal penalties, including substantial fines and imprisonment.
Furthermore, searching for these topics may endanger your computer or device. You may unintentionally download dangerous files or become a victim of phishing campaigns. Accessing such content, according to cybersecurity experts, can jeopardize your online safety.
Rather than looking for hacking lessons, consider learning about cybersecurity and ethical hacking methods. It is a more responsible and legal strategy to learn how to defend your online presence and identify potential risks.
4. Your favorite food
An extensive study conducted by Germany's prestigious Max Planck Society found that gazing at images of delicious food triggers a natural hunger response. This visual stimulus triggers the release of a hormone called ghrelin from the stomach, which leads to an increase in appetite. Ghrelin's role is to stimulate sensations of hunger; therefore, it's best to avoid looking up photographs of your favorite dishes when you know you won't be able to indulge.
5. Cancer
You know how they say “The less you know, the better”. This is one of those situations. Searching for cancer might be counterproductive for a variety of reasons. For starters, it often results in an overwhelming amount of information, some of which may not be correct or up-to-date. Many symptoms of this ailment resemble those of less severe conditions. Experiences such as tiredness or weight loss usually don't indicate a grave concern. It's advisable not to confuse these ordinary signs with cancer and become unnecessarily anxious.
6. Customer care numbers of banks
Avoid searching for a bank's customer care number on Google at all costs. Several cases have been reported where hackers have stolen money from innocent people by providing incorrect phone numbers in Google searches. In such cases, get the customer service number from the bank's official website. Make sure you go to the bank's official website and get the number there. However, use caution when entering the bank's actual URL, as using Google searches to reach the bank's website is risky. Fraudsters often create false websites that resemble the bank's website so that unwary individuals will enter their login information, giving them access to your ID and password as well as your money.
7. Determining the safety of a product
An array of opinions can be found on the Internet, where self-proclaimed experts provide their views on a wide range of topics. However, when considering the safety of a certain product, whether for your skin, ingestion, or other uses, and seeing inconsistent comments - some claiming safety and others raising red flags - the instinct may be to lean towards the affirmative. The best course of action, however, is to seek advice from experienced medical or professional authorities. It is recommended that you add this query to your list of "Do Not Google" topics. Your best bet is to speak with your healthcare provider or the manufacturer directly.
8. Skin conditions
Have questions about an unusual skin mark? Avoid the temptation to type "round, reddish mole" into a search engine. The search results can inundate you with unsettling information and images. Opt for the safer route and make an appointment with a dermatologist.
9. Pirated or copyright-infringing material
Googling for pirated or copyright-infringing materials, such as movies, music, software, or books, not only violates copyright laws, but can also affect content creators and their livelihoods. Downloading or sharing copyrighted information without proper authorization is illegal in many countries, and anyone found doing so faces steep fines and legal consequences.
Related: Tired of Google Spying on You? Here's How to Opt Out
Furthermore, sites that host pirated content are often infested with false advertisements, malware, and other security threats. Downloading from these sites may risk your device's security and integrity.
Rather than looking for pirated content, consider legitimate options to access and enjoy the media you want, such as streaming services, digital marketplaces, or libraries, which benefit content creators while also providing a safer and legal experience.
