Google has announced plans to replace its perspectives filter with a forums filter, aiming to make it easier for searchers to find content that reflects people’s perspectives and first-hand experiences. The filter, previously called perspectives, will now be renamed as forums, which Google believes is a more intuitive name when seeking out that type of content.
The perspectives filter was launched on mobile search last June, allowing users to filter their search results to show videos, blogs, and forums. This feature aimed to provide users with a more “lived experience” to their search queries by showing answers from people sharing their own personal perspectives. Liz Reid, VP of Search at Google, stated that these answers are presented in a user-friendly and consumable interface designed for younger searchers.
In recent weeks, Google has been testing the display of “Forums” as a search filter in the search results. This change will make it clearer to searchers what to expect when filtering for forum-related search results. Users who want to see results specifically from forums will no longer be confused when using the filter.
The decision to change the name of the filter from “perspectives” to “forums” is based on data gathered by Google, which found that users found it more intuitive to filter by “forums” rather than “perspectives.” Google also stated that the new filter will allow users to hone in on results from hundreds of forums across the web.
It’s important to note that while the perspectives filter is being replaced with the forums filter, other types of content like short videos and user-generated content (UGC) will still be accessible for relevant queries. These types of content will be displayed as carousels, clusters, and traditional web page listings on the search results page.
For those who run forums or actively participate in forum discussions, this new feature will be particularly useful in finding content within those types of websites. Writing extensively on Reddit or other forums will become easier with the ability to filter search results specifically for forum-related content.
Overall, Google’s decision to replace the perspectives filter with a forums filter is aimed at improving the search experience for users. By providing a more intuitive filter name and allowing users to find content that reflects people’s perspectives and first-hand experiences, Google continues to prioritize user satisfaction and accessibility in its search engine.
