Why searching is like smack

By mebs

I was recently reading Nina Platt’s 5 Reasons Librarians are Better than Search Engines. The blog entry is mostly about how search engines will never replace a skilled researcher, but my eye caught the following:

My sister, while doing some research recently, likened searching on the internet to setting off fireworks. The search is like an explosion that sends millions of answers off in several directions much like a firework can send fire and color up into the night for all to see. While reviewing one set of answers, another set of fireworks could be set off distracting you from what you already found and taking you further away from what you need. There is no one to guide you to the right materials.

While I can see the analogy — sometimes the info I find does feel as ephemeral as a fireworks display — I also saw how a miniaturized version of “fireworks” is what keeps us searching.

You know how it gets sometimes, when you just can’t put down the mouse, you keep finding one more web site to answer this research project… I just found a promising site - I have to keep going…. What’s actually happening is that, each time you find a good lead or a new resource, you get a little shot of adrenaline - a mini-fireworks display. You click a couple more times and - kaboom - another little adrenaline shot. click, click. kaboom.

We find it hard to end a search because we’re constantly getting little buzzes of excitement, and who wants to stop that?

How very true, and affirming that there are others out there that need to feed the ‘addiction’ like I do   :0)