Algorithms For Dummies

Using AI for ranking search results

PageRank is still at the core, but the results have less weight because of the intro-

duction of machine learning technology into ranking, the so-called RankBrain. 

According to some sources (see 

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/ 

2015-10-26/google-turning-its-lucrative-web-search-over-to-ai- 

machines

), the machine learning algorithm now examines all Google queries and 

directly handles 15 percent of the volume of search queries it receives every day, 

specializing in

 

»

Ambiguous and unclear search queries

 

»

Queries expressed in slang or colloquial terms

 

»

Queries expressed as though they were occurring in a conversation with the 

search engine

Even though RankBrain is still cloaked in secrecy, the algorithm seems to be capable 

of guessing, with much higher accuracy than performed by a human being, whether 

the contents of a page can appear in search results. It replaces all other ranking fac-

tors in cases that are difficult to judge. This is another example of an additional 

algorithm that limits the role played by the original PageRank algorithm.

---