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I've certainly noticed Google ignoring results more than 3-4 years old when something barely related, but more recent, matches. I call it "recency trap". Because of that I've found myself more and more systematically setting the date range of the desired results (which isn't 100% of the time useful as many sites reply with misleading metadata).

To point a recent example (and given the current events) a number of Russian officials blamed the sinking of the Kursk on NATO (either on purpose or by accident), and I recall such statements from back then, but via Google it's been almost impossible to find a primary source. Most results were from the 2021 statements insisting on that from a retired admiral that was involved back then, but from 2000/2001 the relevant content was certainly tough to find.

Part of it is because this is 2000/2001 and many links rotted away, another part because the existing links usually don't respect basic SEO, and finally because Google, in my experience, very strongly prioritizes now/recent content.




At least Google still allows you to set a specific time window for your search results. Given their strong recency bias, this is often the only way to find older resources.


I'm glad the date range tool still exists, I use it now and then and it's generally good. What's bad is that it's not available on the mobile site. But what's ugly is how unreliable and cluttered the results are. For example:

"Dec 21, 2001 — House Democrats plan to vote Wednesday to impeach President Trump for his role in inciting the deadly Capitol attack as President-elect Joe Biden prepares ..."

https://www.google.com/search?q=president+Trump&biw=980&bih=... (be sure to switch to desktop mode if on mobile)




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