What Are We Googling?
When was the last time someone asked you, “What is Google?” If you can’t remember, you’re probably not alone. From settling arguments with mates to answering questions we’re too embarrassed to ask out loud, Google has become the place we turn when we need to know something.
Founded in 1998, the search engine has come a long way from its early days. But while most of us are busy typing away, have you ever wondered what everyone else is Googling?
Enter Google Trends, a tool that lets us peek behind the keyboards and explore what Australians are searching for, and which topics are catching their attention.
Whether it’s a business owner trying to get ahead of the next big thing, or a journalist hunting for their next story, Google Trends can offer some useful insights to what people want to know.
And with the Victorian state election approaching, it’s not just recipes, celebrity gossip and questions about why the car is making that funny noise that are attracting attention.
Looking at search data from the past five years, Google Trends shows interest in Victorian politicians and political parties increasing ahead of election periods.
One Nation and its Victorian state president, Warren Pickering, have experienced notable increases in search interest, while interest in Labor and the Greens has remained comparatively steady.
Whether these searches come from curious voters, political enthusiasts or people simply trying to work out who’s who ahead of election day, one thing is clear: Google can offer a glimpse into the topics that are getting people talking.
Of course, searching for a politician doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll vote for them. But it might give journalists a clue about which questions are worth asking next.
So, the next time you open Google to settle a debate or satisfy a random 2 a.m. curiosity, remember: you’re not just looking for answers; you might just be contributing to the next big trend.
• This content is part of a paid partnership with Google to promote Google Trends.
