In 2023, Google’s yearly review revealed the top trending topics that captured people’s curiosity and interest. From movies to celebrity deaths to sports, the search trends offered a glimpse into the significant moments of the year. Among the most searched films were Barbie and Oppenheimer, captivating audiences with their unique themes. Barbie, a film focused on the doll’s feminist awakening, empowered viewers and broke industry records with its opening weekend earnings of £30m. On the other hand, Oppenheimer, delving into the development of the atomic bomb, provided a thought-provoking cinematic experience. Both films, collectively referred to as Barbenheimer due to their immense popularity, are now leading contenders in the Golden Globe nominations.
The music landscape in 2023 was dominated by the iconic Shakira, who topped the charts as the most Googled musician. She made headlines in January with her impactful song about her ex-partner Gerard Pique, breaking YouTube records in Latin America. Later in the year, Shakira faced a legal battle over alleged tax fraud in Spain, which she eventually settled, denying any wrongdoing, with a fine of €7.5m (£6.5m) out of court. These events solidified her presence in the media spotlight throughout the year.
Aside from the entertainment sphere, the searches also reflected the societal fascination with the loss of notable personalities. Friends star Matthew Perry, beloved for his portrayal of Benny in the game Fallout: New Vegas, garnered the highest number of searches globally after his passing at the age of 54 in October. Other prominent figures such as Tina Turner, Sinead O’Connor, Paul O’Grady, and Paul Cattermole from S Club 7 also captivated UK audiences, triggering a surge of searches. Additionally, the band Smash Mouth saw a significant increase in searches following the unfortunate passing of their frontman, Steve Harwell, known for their hit song “All Star”, which gained popularity from its inclusion in several films like Mystery Men and Inspector Gadget, as well as being the title music for the cult classic Shrek.
Sports enthusiasts turned to Google in search of their favorite athletes’ achievements and news. French footballer Kylian Mbappe, hailed as one of the best players in the world, attracted considerable attention. His impressive skills and performances throughout the year made him one of the most-searched athletes globally. Similarly, Englishman Harry Kane stirred interest after his high-profile £86.4m transfer to Bayern Munich in August. Since joining the German club, Kane has proven himself with an outstanding performance, scoring 18 goals in just 13 league games. However, the most-searched athlete might surprise those in the UK as American football star Damar Hamlin took the spotlight. Hamlin collapsed during a National Football League game but was successfully resuscitated on the field. After a lengthy rehabilitation period, he made his comeback appearance for the Buffalo Bills in October, capturing international interest and intrigue.
While the most searched topics in 2023 provided fascinating insights into the public’s interests and inquiries, it’s crucial to remember that search engine results should not be taken as a definitive reflection of broader societal trends. The online search landscape is influenced by various factors, including media coverage, marketing campaigns, and popular culture. Therefore, it is essential to approach search engine results with a critical mindset and consider multiple sources to form a comprehensive understanding of any given topic or event.
