Tech giant Google has released its snapshot of what has captured the attention of Aussies this year, according to the most popular terms and questions asked of its search engine.
Overall, the trends show an interest in worldwide issues and events, according to Google Australia search trends communications manager, Camilla Ibrahim.
“Australia’s Year in Search offers a fascinating snapshot of our nation's interests and evolving culture,” Ibrahim said.
“It shows Aussies are globally aware, passionate about sport, curious, creative and up for a challenge.”
Politics and sport took many top spots, with major events including the US election, the Olympic medal tally, and the Euros taking the top three spots. Copa America, the T20 World Cup, and the Wheelchair tennis Paralympics took spots seven, eight, and 10, respectively.
People were also keeping up with entertainment news, with Taylor Swift taking out the number five spot for overall trending searches. Swift also beat out all other politicians and athletes, taking out the top spot as the top searched global figure ahead of presidential candidates Donald Trump, Kamala Harris and Joe Biden.
Ibrahim said many fans also searched for “how to make Taylor Swift friendship bracelets” ahead of the Eras tour landing in Australia.
Many Aussie figures also took centre stage in this year’s top searches, with Raygun taking out the third spot after her unforgettable performance at this year’s Olympics.
Freed journalist Julian Assange scored second place, with business entrepreneur John Singleton named as the most-searched Australian figure after suffering a personal tragedy during the Bondi Junction stabbing attack.
While Australians tried to understand internet slang, with “demure” taking out the top spot for the most searched-for definition, Ibrahim said the top definitions also showed that Australians were trying to expand their vocabulary.
“Searches for words like ‘solfege’ and ‘sobriquet’ suggest a growing curiosity for language beyond everyday conversation and a desire to express ourselves with greater precision, nuance, and eloquence,” Ibrahim said.
According to Statcounter, Google dominates web searches in Australia, accounting for 93% of the market, followed by Microsoft Bing’s 4.92%.