The past year felt like a continuous series of unexpected blows, leaving us dizzy and disoriented. While we hoped for clearer insights with hindsight, reflecting on 2020 reveals a harsh truth: our society has significant social and emotional challenges to address. Despite the chaos, 2020 offered us numerous lessons, from the pandemic and social unrest to environmental disasters and a contentious election, prompting many to turn to Google for answers. It’s intriguing to see just how much we still had to learn.
Top Searches
According to Google, the most searched topics of the year included election results, the coronavirus, and the late Kobe Bryant. Notably, searches for Zoom, Naya Rivera, and Chadwick Boseman also ranked in the top ten. It’s fascinating to note how many were captivated by celebrity news while grappling with survival amidst the turmoil.
How to Help…
The pandemic revealed persistent issues rather than creating new ones. Economic inequality, systemic racism, and the stark impact of COVID-19 on marginalized communities highlighted their vulnerabilities. Thankfully, many sought ways to make a difference. The most prevalent search was how to assist with the Australian wildfires, followed by inquiries about supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and aiding those affected by the coronavirus. Additionally, people sought help for issues like acid reflux, panic attacks, and nausea, illustrating the unique challenges of 2020.
How to Donate…
While many wondered when their stimulus checks would arrive, others were eager to find ways to donate their time, money, and resources. The top search in this area was how to contribute to the Black Lives Matter movement, followed by donations for the Australian bushfires and blood donations. People were also keen to give eggs, plasma, and funds to the Georgia Senate runoff.
Beauty How-Tos…
In stark contrast to the heavy news, many turned to self-care, particularly regarding hair. With countless individuals opting for at-home haircuts, the top search was how to cut men’s hair at home, followed by inquiries on how to plop hair and color it at home. Interestingly, searches for how to wash hands appeared too—reminding us that even basic hygiene was questioned during a pandemic.
How to Make…
This category highlighted a surge in creativity, as many learned new skills during lockdown. Searches revealed a desire to make hand sanitizer, fabric face masks, and bread, alongside modern queries like how to make whipped coffee and a Bitmoji classroom. Balancing online teaching and baking bread? That was the 2020 experience in a nutshell!
Definitions…
Curiosity peaked as people sought definitions for new and frequently mentioned terms. The most searched word was WAP, followed by entanglement, reflecting the complexities of relationships during quarantine. Other terms like Juneteenth and BIPOC indicated a growing interest in education and awareness. The term “simp” also emerged, typically used to describe someone overly eager to please for romantic gain, highlighting ongoing discussions around masculinity.
As we entered a new year, the pandemic continued to dominate our searches. While we will still be focused on topics like COVID-19 strains, vaccines, and stimulus checks, I hope 2021 brings a renewed interest in diverse subjects as well.
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Search Queries:
- How to help marginalized communities in 2021?
- Best ways to donate during a pandemic?
- Tips for self-care during stressful times?
- How to make effective homemade face masks?
- Understanding new terms like WAP and simp.
Summary:
In 2020, our collective focus shifted dramatically, with Google searches reflecting both urgent societal issues and personal challenges. From the pandemic’s impact to a heightened awareness of social justice, our queries reveal a mix of curiosity, concern, and creativity. As we navigate the ongoing pandemic, we hope to channel our experiences into meaningful actions and continued learning.