Year in search 2024: What the world was curious about
The US elections, entertainment trends, and the rise of artificial intelligence also dominated searches, showcasing a blend of cultural engagement and technological curiosity
Every year, Google releases its "Year in Search" report, providing a fascinating glimpse into the topics that captured global attention.
The 2024 edition, released on 10 December, explores the most searched topics of the year, revealing our collective interests and concerns.
From major sporting events like the UEFA European Championship and the Olympic Games, which united fans worldwide, to pressing climate issues highlighted by extreme weather, the data reflects a society grappling with significant challenges.
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The US elections, entertainment trends, and the rise of artificial intelligence also dominated searches, showcasing a blend of cultural engagement and technological curiosity.
This overview highlights how current events shape our lives and the questions we seek to answer in an evolving world.
Major sporting events
Copa America and the UEFA European Championship topped the charts as fans eagerly sought match schedules, results, and team updates. Football's universal appeal was evident as these tournaments united millions in celebration and competition.
The 2024 Olympic Games captivated global audiences, making it one of the most searched events of the year. People were eager to follow the breathtaking performances of athletes from around the world, setting new records and pushing human limits. Queries also centred around athletes' backgrounds, training regimens, and their inspirational stories.
Climate concerns
The unprecedented heatwaves that scorched various parts of the world in 2024 significantly drove searches related to climate concerns. People turned to Google to seek safety tips for coping with extreme heat, understand the health risks associated with rising temperatures, and participate in discussions about climate change.
Searches often included queries on how to stay hydrated, prevent heat-related illnesses, and protect vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly during heatwaves. Beyond immediate safety, users showed a deeper interest in understanding the broader causes and consequences of global warming.
This spike in search activity highlighted the growing anxiety around climate change's immediate and long-term effects. Queries about renewable energy solutions, government policies, and individual actions to combat global warming were prevalent, reflecting a collective urge to adapt to and mitigate climate challenges.
US elections
In the lead-up to the US presidential elections, one of the most searched terms was undoubtedly related to Donald Trump. His campaign strategies, policy positions, and public statements generated significant interest and debate among voters. Key areas of focus included:
Campaign strategies: Trump's approach to campaigning, including his use of social media, rallies, and public appearances, attracted attention. His ability to engage with his base while often bypassing traditional media channels was a major topic of discussion.
Policy proposals: Searches related to Trump's policy proposals—ranging from immigration reform to tax cuts—were prevalent. Voters sought to understand how his policies would impact various demographics, including working-class Americans and minority groups.
Debates: The presidential debates were a critical point of interest. Trump's performance, particularly in how he contrasted with his opponents, was analyzed extensively. Debates highlighted key issues such as healthcare, foreign policy, and economic recovery.
Controversies: Trump's presidency was often marred by controversies, including legal challenges and public backlash over his remarks and policies. These issues sparked widespread searches as people sought clarification and updates on developments.
Voting processes: As the election date approached, there was also a surge in queries about voting processes, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Information about mail-in voting, early voting options, and election day procedures became critical for many voters.
Election outcomes: After the elections, searches continued around the election results, recounts, and implications for the future of the country, reflecting the deep interest and concern over the political landscape.
Movies and TV Shows
Inside Out 2: The much-anticipated sequel to the beloved animated film drew widespread interest, with fans looking for release dates and reviews.
Deadpool and Wolverine: This unique collaboration in the Marvel universe became a hot topic, driving curiosity about plot details and production updates.
Baby Reindeer: Netflix's controversial show sparked discussions, making it the most searched TV-related topic of the year.
Music
"Not Like Us" by Kendrick Lamar: The track stirred interest due to its impactful lyrics and controversies around its promotion, securing its place as the most-searched song.
AI and emerging technologies
Searches about artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications revealed a significant interest in understanding how this transformative technology is reshaping daily life and industries.
From AI-powered tools in home automation and virtual assistants to advanced applications in healthcare, education, and finance, people explored how AI could enhance convenience and efficiency.
Industrially, users sought insights into AI's role in automation, predictive analytics, and innovation across sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and energy. The rise of generative AI models for creative purposes—such as text generation, image creation, and music composition—drew considerable attention, sparking debates on ethics, copyright, and the future of creativity.
Queries also reflected curiosity about the implications of emerging technologies like quantum computing, blockchain, and robotics, with a focus on their potential to solve complex problems or disrupt existing systems.
This surge of interest signifies the growing awareness of technology's power to drive change and the questions it raises about ethics, accessibility, and societal impact.
Google's "Year in Search 2024" underscores the diversity of human curiosity. From global events like the Olympics and elections to personal interests in relationships and design trends, the report reveals what mattered most to people.
This annual snapshot not only highlights our shared experiences but also offers insights into the evolving priorities of a connected world. Whether driven by passion, concern, or the pursuit of knowledge, these searches reflect the stories and questions that defined 2024.
