Google has released their 2004 Zeitgeist rankings, " Based on billions of searches conducted by Google users around the world, the 2004 Year-End Zeitgeist offers a unique perspective on the year's major events and trends. We hope you enjoy this aggregate look at what people wanted to know more about this year."
The most searched term for the year was (drum roll) — Britney Spears. She was followed by Paris Hilton, Christina Aguilera, Pamela Anderson, and chat. Spots six through ten went to games, Carmen Electra, Orlando Bloom, Harry Potter, and mp3.
There was also a separate ranking for public figures. George Bush was number one, but John Kerry wasn't number two. He was third, beat out by Janet Jackson. Then came Britney, Saddam Hussein, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jackson, Angelina Jolie, Martha Stewart, and Clay Aiken.
Note that this is based on world-wide searches, not just the US. Any psychological conclusions from the results are up to you.
There are many more categories ranked — check them out at http://www.google.com/press/zeitgeist.html.
Article comments
1 - Aaman
It just goes to show how little the proles know or care about blogs...
I am not so sure this is the worldwide list - Google has a separate International Zeitgeist
Interestingly, in the Netherlands, Orlando Bloom (Legolas) was Number one.
Thanks for the review
2 - Bruce Kratofil
I'm assuming its the whole world searching because they say "Google users around the world."
I guess the Dutch like elves -- although Orlando may also be the number 1 search term at my daughter's high school here in Ohio.
3 - Eric Berlin
I hate to sound like Tom Hanks in Big, but... I don't get it.
How can Janet Jackson beat out Britney, Paris et al in the Public Figures ranking, yet not be included in the overall ranking for 2004?
Eric Berlin
Dumpster Bust: Miracles from Mind Trash
http://dumpsterbust.blogspot.com
4 - Joe
There's also the BlogPulse Year in Review for a blog-centric type zeitgeist.
5 - Bruce Kratofil
Eric B --
I don't know either -- but then, Janet Jackson certainly had her figure in the public
(Rim shot)
6 - Eric Berlin
Bruce -- no doubt. But how can Janet be a public figure whereas Britney and Paris are not?
Must one reveal something "private" to the public to be considered public? Well... no. Paris certainly qualifies there and Britney comes... pretty close (not that I'm complaining on that score).