Americans, government may want you to get paid not to use Google search

A research team has uncovered a key reason behind Google’s dominance in web searches: Most users haven’t seriously tried alternatives, according to a study cited by Bloomberg. The researchers found that Google’s popularity stems partly from a belief in its superiority, akin to preferring a favorite soda, even if untested options might compare favorably.

The study, conducted by academics from Stanford University, the University of Pennsylvania, and MIT, showed that Google’s grip on search habits can be loosened with incentives, such as paying users to try alternatives like Microsoft Bing.