Browser issues can often prevent Google search from loading properly. To troubleshoot this problem, start by clearing your browser history and cache. This helps remove any conflicting data that might be causing the issue. Additionally, disabling browser extensions can also resolve compatibility problems.

To protect yourself from the Google search virus, it is crucial to avoid clicking on suspicious links. These links can lead to malicious websites or initiate downloads of harmful software. Be cautious when browsing search results and carefully inspect the URLs before clicking.

The trend comes as the internet is "flooded with low-effort garbage from SEO farms and affiliate link sites", said The Register, and things are "probably only going to get worse with the advent of generative AI", they added because new technology is "able to pump out low-quality copy in an instant".