Is Google’s 2024 Year in Search Year a Wake-Up Call for Parents or Millennials?

What We’ve Been Searching for in 2024: Google’s Year in Search

In a year that’s seemed to fly by at an alarming rate, Google has given us a glimpse into what we’ve been searching for. And let me tell you, I’m feeling like an out-of-touch old man.

Forget Spotify Wrapped, Google’s Year In Search 2024 is the real deal, highlighting the top searches globally, and you can even see what people are searching for in your location, just in case you want to avoid your neighbors.

According to the report, the most popular thing people have searched for this year (no surprise here) is Copa América, a sporting event that combines balls, feet, and nets. I, on the other hand, have zero interest in sports, so this ranking means nothing to me. Moving on to number two, we have the UEFA European Championship, followed by cricket, another sport I don’t enjoy.

When it comes to news, the top search is the US elections, making sense, given its global impact, and number two is "excessive heat," which might explain why some of us are searching for ways to beat the scorching temperatures.

That’s Entertainment, Too

The entertainment searches, on the other hand, have left me lost. Five actors we searched for the most are Katt Williams, Pawan Kalyan, Adam Brody, Ella Purnell, and Hina Khan – I only know one, Ella Purnell, from the excellent TV series Fallout, which is also number two in the most-searched TV shows.

When it comes to music, I’m in the dark. I have no idea what Bling-Bang-Bang-Born by Creepy Nuts sounds like, and I’m not the only one, as it’s the second most searched-for song when searched by humming. Google can, however, try to identify a song you hum, which is handy if you’re stuck with a tune in your head.

Food for Thought

Google also shared the top searched-for food and drink recipes. Mango pickle made the cut, which is great, as it’s a crucial condiment in many curry-loving cultures. I’m mostly confused by Olympic chocolate muffins and Tini’s mac and cheese, but hey, at least the snack game is still strong.

Gaming Bliss (or Not)

Finally, we have gaming, which is an area where I thought I’d have a leg up, but nope. Out of the top five, I’ve heard of three but haven’t played a single one. While I shouldn’t calculate my coolness by counting recognized search terms, Google’s Year in Search is an interesting glimpse at what people are interested in – and a harsh reminder that I’m not with it anymore.