Why Google isn’t my Homepage

Jun 7

For years, I was guilty of using Google as my homepage. It was comfortable, convenient, and mindless. When I opened my browser, I found my gateway to the internet to be christened with those familiar six letters. A homepage once chosen out of convenience had become a habitual stop on my way to the rest of the internet.

During my freshman year of college, while walking to class one day, my notion of what a homepage should be was challenged. My friend said that a homepage should be a place we learn something each day. Even if you just glance at headline or two on your way to another website, that can make a huge difference. You’ll have better understanding of the world and a back pocket full of conversation starters.

I was perplexed with the idea. Is there more to a homepage meets the eye? Could I really positively grow myself just by changing the first website I see every day? I decided to give it a try.

Later that day, I set my new homepage to The New York Times. It has been three years, and I haven’t changed it yet. Here’s why:

Knowing current events help build relationships

As social creatures, everything we do is driven by relationships. Part of growing and maintaining relationships is being able to communicate about current events. Staying up to date on current events helps grow relationships by giving you the ability to debate, celebrate, question, act, and empathize with others. Skimming the news on your homepage will also enable you to look smarter, feel more confident, and put you in the driver’s seat for your conversations.

Convenience isn’t an excuse anymore

I initially started using Google as my homepage in 2006 out of convenience. In order to get just about anywhere new on the web, I needed to Google it. Things have since changed that make having the popular search engine as a homepage unnecessary.

For instance, in most browsers today, you can perform a search directly from the URL or search bar. Additionally, I commonly make use of the “favorites” feature instead of searching. With the addition of these browser features, it makes it nearly pointless to need to save Google as your homepage. Save your precious internet real estate for a website that will help you grow.

I learn something new all the time, whether I’m intentional or not

Using the internet is a non-event; it has become so normal that it is easy to become complacent in how we use it. But even in our regular use of the internet, we can be smart in how we use it.

By having a homepage that is constantly updated with new articles that are important to me, I learn something new whether I mean to or not. When it comes to checking email or my social media, I unintentionally have to go through my home page first. Even if just for a moment, I see headlines that help me better understand the world around me. Make an intentional decision on how you’ll unintentionally interact with the web.

General Tips

If you’re busy, but an article catches your attention, just open it in a new tab and read it later when you have time
When you read something interesting, share it on your social media or to the individuals who you know would appreciate it
Still make use of Google- they offer a powerful service that I still use daily; I just don’t use them as my homepage
Encourage your friends to try switching up their homepage; they’ll grow because of it

The Bottom Line: It’s not so much about the setting of a homepage, but it’s about having a growth-oriented mentality. Simply being intentional about where you begin your browsing experience will help you grow as an individual and as a leader. In a world of constant change, why start your browsing with an unchanging search engine? It’s worth a shot- try changing your homepage!