New Years Resolution - Stop Smoking

After New Year, people in UK are encouraged to make New Year's resolutions. For many individuals, smoking cessation is one of the most popular. Each year, the NHS spends millions trying to reduce the country's number smokers. Likewise, in July 2004, the British Government set a target to reduce the percentage of smokers in England from 28 per cent in 1996 to 21 per cent or fewer by 2010.

But the question remains: Could Google help accelerate those declining figures?

We have so far seen the abolishment of cigarette advertising, and the introduction of "shock" pictures on cigarette packs since October 2008. But, given its ad presence and 65 per cent market share in the UK, how could Google help the NHS and more importantly, help people stop smoking.

I believe the NHS and its international equivalents could work with Google, and other search engines such as Bing and Yahoo!, to introduce "shock" images within their search results - which would be a perfect new year's resolution for the Internet giants.

According to the Google AdWords Keyword Tool, around 3 million people searched for "smoking" alone in November 2009. If Google worked with the NHS, it could show "shock" images to 4.6 per cent of the British population - that could make a considerable impact keeping in mind that is only one keyword. In total, bigmouthmedia believes a "shock" smoking image could be shown to around 7 per cent of the British population searching for "smoking"- or "cigarette"- Related keywords.

However, if we look back at Google's comment regarding the Michelle Obama racist image:

"Accordingly, we do not remove a page from our search results simply because its content is unpopular or because we receive complaints concerning it."

It would appear Google endorse a free speech motto hence it would be unlikely Google would choose a side when it comes to smoking. Then again, Google does offer support for non-profit advertising packages for those in need.

Sourced from Big Mouth Media [Link]