A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World

9 Things You Should Never Google

Avoid spiraling down the dark hole of Internet searches and creating unnecessary stress for yourself by skipping these keywords.

woman dissatisfied with shocking content from a google search on her smartphone; she is standing agains a plain gray background
fizkes/Getty Images

Skip searching these things on Google

If you have a question, there’s a 99 percent chance the answer is on the Internet. Just type the question into Google, and voila! You have seemingly endless answers at the tips of your fingers. It’s easy to search for answers to your top questions, from which dinner recipe to cook tonight to how to delete yourself from Google searches. However, there are some things not to Google in your spare time. Not only could those searches show up in your Google My Activity, but the answers could send you down an endless Internet rabbit hole. Give yourself some peace of mind by not searching these things on Google.

cropped shot of student typing on keyboard while working on computer
LightField Studios/Shutterstock

Things you don’t want to see in ads later

You may have an odd question about diaper rash ointments for your friend’s baby, but if you Google it, good luck! Chances are, every time you open up a page online, there will be an ad for said diaper rash ointment for weeks to come, so just put that on your list of things not to Google. Here’s how to block websites on Chrome—it can really come in handy.

Hand open Laptop on wood table
srinil_photo/Shutterstock

Anything that’s going to embarrass you

We all have embarrassing inquiries, but if you’re concerned they could be used against you, say, in a political race, then it’s best not to search Google for it! Even if you permanently delete your search, you’re out of luck, according to security experts Svea Eckert and Andreas Dewes. The security team managed to gather the online habits of some 3,000,000 German citizens without their knowledge, as well as the private web history of prominent public figures, including judges and politicians. Besides that, you really don’t want ads popping up for those embarrassing inquiries, especially if your boss is lurking over your shoulder.

Closeup of unlocked handcuffs hanging on jail bars
Take Photo/Shutterstock

Anything that’s going to incriminate you

If it’s against the law, it’s probably one of those things not to Google—especially considering what the security experts can do. “It is now a common occurrence for computers to be analyzed along with telephones and for all social media to be interrogated,” explained Brian McConnachie QC, a criminal defense lawyer. “It is almost commonplace for there to be a reference to at least one of these in any serious trial.” Google can certainly be useful in other ways, though—you’ll want to try these Google Maps tricks immediately.

Removal of benign tumors in Cosmetic salon. The use of liquid nitrogen in dermatology. Sending puncture for analysis and mole cancer
Taras Atamaniv/Shutterstock

Skin conditions

Wondering what that new blemish on your face is? Don’t google “round, reddish mole.” It will only bring you a whole lot of information and images that relay some pretty disgusting things. Make an appointment with a dermatologist instead. Here are some funny things to ask Google Home.

Background with peat pots and the ground. Spring planting work.
Stanislav71/Shutterstock

Worms

If you are looking for the best worms for your garden, you’re going to have to be VERY specific with your Google search, otherwise, you’re going to get back some creepy, crawly, and totally disturbing images and information. Find out the fun Google tricks you’ll want to try immediately.

A man working on a white desk with a laptop.
mirtmirt/Shutterstock

Whether a product is safe or not

The Internet has a lot of opinions, with people claiming to be experts on everything. But if you’re wondering if a certain product is safe for your skin, to ingest, etc… and you get back a “yes” from some forums and a “no” from others, you might be tempted to swing toward the positive side. It’s best to seek out medical and/or professional advice from the experts and to add this question to your list of things you shouldn’t be Googling. Call your doctor or the company in question. Make sure you also know about these common online scams and how to avoid them.

A stethoscope on a computer keyboard on a white background
Mike Flippo/Shutterstock

Your symptoms

Similar to Googling that weird mole on your face, using the search engine to decipher why your stomach hurts, why you feel tired, or why you’re itchy is going to instill more fear than simply going to see a doctor. Instead, stick to these funny Google searches.

Lazy sleepy basenji dog lays on cozy bed in room next to his laptop computer and does not want to work or chat with anybody. Place for your text.
De Repente/Shutterstock

Your favorite thing + cancer

Cancer is a terrible thing, and it seems so much is linked to it. But did you know that even owning a dog has been linked to cancer?! Yep, there’s research out there that links your precious pup to the disease. But let’s be honest, you’re not going to give up Fido, so why even tempt yourself with a Google search?

Faizal Ramli/Shutterstock

Translations

How many times have your translations actually panned out when trying them on someone? You likely get a “What?!” from the person you’re trying to impress or communicate with. As the Guardian points out, if the English version of The Girl from Ipanema was translated via Google from the original Portuguese, you’d get “Girl in the golden body, sun from Ipanema, the it swung its more than a poem.” Nope! Doesn’t make sense.

Sources:

  • Express: “Think you’ve DELETED your browser history? People can see EVERY site you’ve ever visited”
  • Criminal defense barrister Brian McConnachie QC
  • Psychology Today: “Are Pet Owners Really at Greater Risk of Cancer?”
  • The Guardian: “Google Translate: 10 reasons why it’s no match for learning a language”
The Family Handyman
Originally Published on The Family Handyman

Alexa Erickson
Alexa is an experienced lifestyle and news writer currently working with Reader's Digest, Shape Magazine, and various other publications. She loves writing about her travels, health, wellness, home decor, food and drink, fashion, beauty, and scientific news. Follow her travel adventures on Instagram: @living_by_lex, send her a message: [email protected], and check out her website: livingbylex.com