How can we bring back retro googling?

I've heard a lot of people complaining about how google search has evolved over the years. You type in a search and the first thing you see now is an AI overview which can prevent you from ever finding actual websites. To be honest, it's great sometimes and is convenient if you want a quick answer (whether it's accurate or not).

If you make it past the AI overview, then you are wading in a sea of paid advertisements that can sometimes be malicious websites.

If you travel even further, you will see a mix of social media stuff, videos from youtube, and maybe some websites.

Things evolve...

For better or worse, things evolve and maybe we are naive to expect to just keep using tools and technologies like we did 20 years ago and for them to function the same way. Like the tools, we must adapt.

Three methods to search like you used to

1. Use the -ai filter when you search. If you want to search for a blueberry muffin recipe and actually find a blog with the recipe, you would type something like "best blueberry muffin recipe -ai". This removes the AI overview.
2. Select web mode - google tucks this away in a nice inconvenient place. For me, I have to search for the thing I want, then under the search bar, I need to select more, then web. This will filter your results to websites only. As a bonus, it removes the AI overview.
3. Use a custom search template. You can default your searches to be like #2 by creating a template that uses https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14. The custom query:

• Removes AI overview
• Hides specialized blocks (like related questions, maps, etc)
• Reduces sponsored garbage
• Delivers 'organic' web page results (at least as organic as you can get these days)

Here's a breakdown of the query string if you are curious like me:

• https://www.google.com/search?: Requests Google's search server engine.
• q=: The query parameter where the actual search keywords belong.
• %s: A placeholder variable used by web browsers to insert whatever text you type into your address bar.
• &udm=14: The specific command instructing Google's backend to filter results strictly through the traditional "Web" tab index.

And here's a non comprehensive instructional on how to implement it in chrome (if it's not good enough...google it :P):

• Open your settings (in your browser) and select Search engine.
• Select 'Manage search engines and site search'
• Under the Site search section, click Add
• Fill in the name, shortcut and add the query string under the section that says URL with %s in place of query.

That's it....then you can make it your default search engine and you will be taken back to a simpler time.

Ok but what about the ads

Well, as a bonus, just use a browser like brave with built-in adblocking and thank yourself later.

Now, I can promote you to a blue belt in googlejitsu. Enjoi.