Behavior based search results: anyone seeing/suspecting this

[coachm]

It looks to me like google is serving me search results based on my behavior, or something like that is going on. Just noticed last night.

If this is the case we are ALL in big trouble, because, from the user perspective, the results are TOTALLY USELESS. They are sort of relevant, but not relevant enough.

anyone seeing this. If this is happening what are the implications for SEO/webmasters

Please, someone tell me this isn't true.

[tedster]

If you are logged in to a Google account, then Google will tailor your search results based on search history for queries done while previously logged into that account. And even if you are not logged in, rapdid query revisions can sometime stimulate a tailored response. In fact, this has been going on for quite a while.

Is that what you mean?

[Sally Stitts]

If you go to your Google AdSense account, and click on "My Account", there is an "Interest-based Ads Preference" which has been added. This allows you to "opt out".

[robzilla]

I think he's talking about search results, Sally Stitts, not advertisements.

How did you notice this, coachm, and what makes you think it's related to your behavior?

[foolsgold]

'Previous Query' results impacting? Not seen it myself.

[tedster]

It doesn't happen a lot, and Google does notify you if they've done it. Here's some information from the official Google blog:

7-30-2008

Over the next few days, you may start to see new messages whenever your search results have been customized based on one or more of the following types of information....

Recent searches. We take into account whether a particular query followed on the heels of another query. Because recent search activity provides such valuable context for understanding the meaning behind your searches, we use it to customize your results whenever possible, regardless of whether you're signed in or signed out. In order to customize your results and show you the customization details, we keep the most recent query on your browser for a limited time.

[googleblog.blogspot.com...]