Searching the Web
Unlock the Secrets Behind What You See Online!
Ever wondered why some search results are free while others ask for payment? Or why ads seem to follow you around online? What shows up in your feed isn’t random—it’s shaped by hidden forces like your location, device, browsing habits, and even what other people are searching.
After this chapter, you’ll be able to:
Understand why some online content requires payment or sign-ups to access.
Recognize that “free” content often comes with a trade-off—like targeted ads or data collection.
Identify the behind-the-scenes factors that influence what you see online.
See how your own activity shapes search results, recommendations, and ads.
Navigate the web with greater awareness and confidence.
Ready to become a savvy digital explorer? Let’s dive in and uncover what really drives your online experience.
Two kinds of online content: Free and Paid
Nowadays, almost everything is available on the internet — from news and entertainment to government services, learning, shopping and many more. And it keeps growing every day!
There are also two kinds of online content: free and payed.
Free content: Accessible without paying anything. Examples: online encyclopedias, free videos on video-sharing platforms, many government websites, and free news articles.
Paid content: Users need to pay or subscribe to access it. Examples: movies and shows on streaming platforms, online courses from universities or training providers, some news websites, and certain research papers.
Why do some things cost money?
Creating high-quality content or services takes time, effort, and money — like paying writers, producers, teachers, or maintaining websites. When you pay, you help support this work and allow creators to keep improving what they offer. For example:
- Streaming platforms charge for movies and shows so they can pay actors and produce new content.
- Universities or professional course providers charge for classes because they offer expert teaching and official certificates.