New dark pattern: Google spam links with [SOLVED] at the start of the title

2 points by jtode 3y ago ↗ HN

I just googled an error I'm having with an ESP32 and the top link had [SOLVED] at the start so I clicked it, brainlessly assuming a forum would be at the other end.

It wasn't until I read all the way through a useless tutorial that didn't offer anything useful and hit back that I made the connection of why I had chosen the link.

Basically Google is actively hostile to showing you what you're looking for, now.

2 comments

[ 4.1 ms ] story [ 14.0 ms ] thread

breckenedge 3y ago ↗

Yep. Google needs moderation. Every time I have the same experience with Google is another reminder that SEO sucks and I cannot wait for something better than search to come along.

Baljhin 3y ago ↗

Share the link - and the search query - so we can see as well. (Such sites might be fodder for a new blocklist or hosts file)