The Top Ten Google Searches of 2012

Last week Google released their Zeitgeist report, detailing the most searched for queries of 2012 by their users. Google has examined the 1.2 trillion searches performed throughout the past year and has provided top ten lists in various categories, such as trending image searches, and most searched for people.


Guest Reporter: Helen Warder

 
The information can be viewed on a worldwide scale, or by country. The top ten overall searches of 2012 reveal our interests and curiosities, ranging from the tragic to the exuberant. They reflect a fascination for celebrity and popular culture, as well as interest in world events.
 
 

People

 
Topping the list of searches was Whitney Houston, the singing superstar whose sudden death prior to a Grammy pre-awards party performance stunned fans earlier this year. The eighth highest search was for Amanda Todd, the Canadian teen who was a victim of bullying and tragically took her own life.  Appearing at #9 on the list is Michael Clarke Duncan. The American actor, best known for his role as John Coffey in The Green Mile, died in September after being hospitalised for a heart attack.
 

Popular Culture

High up on the list at #2 is Gangnam Style, the song by K-Pop singer PSY, whose music video containing his signature dance has become the most viewed video in YouTube history.  At #6 is Kate Middleton. The Duchess of Cambridge’s popularity can be attributed to her recent pregnancy announcement, as well as the unfortunate release of topless photos taken of her while sunbathing at a private château in France during September. The tenth entry is BBB12, also known as Big Brother Brasil, a South American reality TV show.
 
 

Events

 
The third most searched-for entry was Hurricane Sandy, the storm that tore through the US East Coast, as well as parts of the Caribbean and Canada, causing destruction in its path. At #7 are the 2012 Olympics. Held in London, this event dominated the news, particularly in the UK this past summer.
 

Electronics & Games

 
In March, the much anticipated Apple iPad 3 was released, and features at #4 on the top ten list. 3 million tablets were sold within 3 days of its release.  Following this at #5 is Diablo III, the most searched for video game of the year. The PC game became the most pre-ordered PC game in Amazon’s history.
 

The top ten list in full:

 
  1. Whitney Houston
  2. Gangnam Style
  3. Hurricane Sandy
  4. iPad 3
  5. Diablo III
  6. Kate Middleton
  7. Olympics 2012
  8. Amanda Todd
  9. Michael Clarke Duncan
  10. BBB12

This article reproduced with permission from the Athernet blog.

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