Parenting
The Questions We Posed to Google in 2020
by Jamie Sinclair
Updated: Jan. 5, 2021
Originally Published: Jan. 5, 2021
This past year felt like a series of relentless blows to the head, each one more disorienting than the last. Just when we thought we had braced ourselves for another challenge, life delivered a gut punch instead. Looking back on 2020, I wish I could say that hindsight is 20/20, but the clarity I hoped for is obscured by the glaring reality that our society has significant emotional and social work ahead. Yet, amidst the chaos, there was much to learn. The global pandemic, celebrity deaths, systemic injustices, and an intense presidential election kept us turning to Google for answers to our pressing questions.
While it’s unclear how much we actually absorbed, it was revealing to see how much we still needed to understand.
Top Searches
According to Google, the most searched topics of the year included election results, coronavirus updates, and the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant. Other notable searches included Zoom-related queries, the fate of Naya Rivera, and the loss of Chadwick Boseman. It’s intriguing to note the public’s fixation on celebrity deaths while grappling with existential crises of their own.
How to Help…
The pandemic was a new experience for all of us, yet it shone a light on longstanding issues. Economic inequality, systemic racism, and the disproportionate effects of the virus on marginalized communities became painfully evident. COVID-19 created many dilemmas but also highlighted those that had been ignored for too long. Fortunately, it seemed to spark a desire for action.
The most common inquiry was about how to assist with the wildfires in Australia, closely followed by questions about supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and finding ways to help during the pandemic. People also sought advice on managing acid reflux, anxiety attacks, and nausea—issues that perfectly encapsulated the strangeness of 2020.
How to Donate…
As we awaited our stimulus checks (though I didn’t see many searches for patience), many were seeking ways to contribute their time, money, and resources. The leading search in this area was how to donate to the Black Lives Matter movement, followed by inquiries about supporting the Australian bushfires and blood donation. There was also a significant interest in donating plasma, eggs, and funds to the Georgia Senate runoff.
Beauty How-Tos…
In stark contrast to the heavy news, many of us turned to self-care, especially regarding our hair. You might recall the infamous “Karens” demanding haircuts, but many chose to take matters into their own hands. The top search was about how to cut men’s hair at home, followed by searches on how to plop hair and color it. Interestingly, people were also asking how to wash their hands—reminding us that even basic hygiene was questioned during a pandemic.
How to Make…
This category was particularly fun to explore because so many of us became self-sufficient and turned to baking, sewing, and crafting. Google saw a surge in searches for making hand sanitizer (1), fabric face masks (2), and bread (6). Meanwhile, modern requests included how to create whipped coffee (3), a Bitmoji classroom (8), and a live wallpaper (10). What a surreal time to be juggling online teaching while flour dusted our shirts!
Definitions…
Curiosity prevailed as people sought the meanings of words they were suddenly hearing frequently. The most searched term was WAP, followed by “entanglement,” which seemed fitting during a year of complicated relationships. Other notable searches included Juneteenth (6) and BIPOC (7), indicating a growing interest in education around social issues. The term “simp” also made the list at #9, a slang word that has become common among younger audiences, often used to describe someone who goes to great lengths to win affection—yet another layer of toxic masculinity that could use some dismantling.
As we stepped into the new year, the pandemic’s grip remained strong. While our searches may continue to revolve around COVID-19—new strains, vaccines, and stimulus payments—I hope that 2021 brings a broader range of topics and insights worth exploring.
For more insights on home insemination and related topics, check out our other blog post here. If you’re looking for ways to boost your fertility, consider visiting Make a Mom, a trusted resource. Another excellent reference for pregnancy and home insemination is the Mayo Clinic.
Possible Search Queries:
- How to manage stress during a pandemic?
- What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
- How to create a home workout routine?
- What are the best at-home beauty treatments?
- How to support social justice movements?
Summary: In 2020, we turned to Google for answers to pressing questions during a tumultuous year marked by a global pandemic, social injustice, and widespread uncertainty. While we sought to understand everything from how to help marginalized communities to basic self-care routines, our inquiries reflected both the challenges we faced and the resilience we found. As we continue to navigate these issues, it’s essential to foster a spirit of learning and growth.
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