A search engine based on knowledge: A material object analysis of Google’s search engine to identify the actors in an actor-network that cause a paradigm shift to semantic search

Abstract

Searching the Web for information has become an essential part of our online habits. By using search engines like Google we are requesting information and expect an overview of the best information available. However, the presentation of search results is particularly based on algorithms that include mathematical calculations, which constitutes a hierarchical overview from relatively unstructured information. In order to improve the quality and relevance of these results a new development is emerging: semantic search. By investigating in online search and semantic search I will argue that semantic search lies at the basis of a new search engine paradigm. I will show historical paradigm shifts in online search and argue that a new paradigm is emerging. On the basis of a material object analysis of Google’s search engine I will reveal actors that maintain or transform the actor-network in a search engine paradigm. By conducting this analysis I will show what the characteristics, implications, and interrelations are for the actors involved in the network of online search.