Google History: Spooky as Hell!!

I began using Gmail on a regular basis for MKT 595. I like creating Google Docs for the Hulafantastica Group and since we email back and forth quite a bit, I did not want these emails bogging down my primary email account.

I stay logged into Gmail all day while at work so that I can be in regular communication with my group. I also use Google as my main search engine at work. I estimate that I use Google about 10 times an hour to research a topic relevant to my job or a homework assignment.

Over time, I began to notice that Google was remembering completely abstract and random phrases I would type in to the Google search bar. About 3 months ago, I typed in, “Why cancer friendships are immediate.” I sort of believe in and am very interested by the types of relationships I have with different signs. I tend to immediately hit it off with Cancers and I almost never hit it off with Leos. Anyway, I searched that phrase for more information about why I click with other fellow Cancers immediately.

Then, yesterday, I began typing, “why c......” and my three-month old search of “Why cancer friendships are immediate” automatically appeared in the Google search bar. This is not even what I was typing. I actually wanted to know “why cardiothoracic surgeons engage in the FOCUS Initiative.”

At this point, I realized Goggle was remembering EVERYTHING I searched while I was signed into my Gmail account. I kid you not….my stomach formed into a HUGE knot and I actually felt sick when I realized that my entire search history was on record, even if only I could see this search history. 

For the first time ever, I was so creeped out by my Gmail account. So I immediately searched how to clear this search history and found this website. However, these directions were not even clear to me and I had to visit several blogs and websites to figure out how to delete my search history and how to shut off the automatic tracking of my searches.

I know I am naive for not realizing earlier how Google tracks searches, but I still feel sickened over the whole thing. There were things I searched back in 2009 in my account and now, I actually feel victimized a bit!!

And this is why I will continue to use a .me email account....because Apple doesn't track every random search I make!! 

C-R-E-E-P-Y!! Perfect post for Halloween! I got more scared over being tracked by Google than I did watching a scary movie this weekend!

 

Users Beware: Google will track each keystroke. Enter at your own risk!