What are the issues with Google search (other than privacy concerns) that are talked about at length?
I disagree. I use DDG and vast majority of cases fall into one of two scenarios:
1. I can find what I'm searching for on
2. I can't find it neither with DDG nor with Google.
Typically the difference between them is that Google shows what I seek as the first result, while DDG shows it on the first page of results - that's pretty darn close if you ask me.
And then there are cases where DDG is actually superior to Google. A few times I couldn't find something on Google, but the "a few results were removed" message hinted that they don't show me some pages, most likely due to something like DMCA. Somehow DDG (probably because it is smaller and goes under the radar) would then often provide the results I was seeking.
Pretty darn close according to you, but the reality is that for most people that difference is huge. The UX where you can just can trust the first link and don't have to scroll to consider each option is miles better.
For all the complaints that google and facebook and others get for collecting all the info on you, the nice part is when you use them, they show you exactly what you want. A company that doesn't collect your search/view preferences just can't do that.
Everyone searches in a different way and for different things. While I might easily find what I'm looking for on ddg, someone else might not.
I think the main reason why most search engines fail against google is because they haven't yet figured out in depth how and what people search for and what they find.
Google just has a better algorithm finding things. Peiple are happier using Google.