From Validity to Inter-Subjectivity: An Argument for Reliability Signals in Search Environments

TL;DR

This paper advocates shifting focus from validity verification to inter-subjectivity and reliability signals to better address epistemic challenges in search environments.

Contribution

It introduces a new perspective emphasizing reliability signals and inter-subjectivity over traditional validity checks in search engine evaluation.

Findings

Highlights limitations of validity-centered approaches

Proposes reliability signals as a complementary metric

Argues for a shift towards inter-subjective assessments

Abstract

Search engines and information platforms are increasingly scrutinized for their role in spreading misinformation. Traditional responses often focus on detecting falsehoods or verifying the ultimate validity of claims. This paper argues that such a validity-centered framing is inadequate for the epistemic challenges of search environments.