search results
Houston's 10 most popular Google searches for 2018 revealed
In this digital, data-driven age, few things gauge a person’s interests more than a Google search. With that in mind, Google has announced its annual “Year in Search” lists, which analyze the most top-trending, highest-traffic queries across news, politics, film, entertainment, sports, and more throughout 2018.
The greater good was a theme this year: In the U.S., the top searched “how to” question was “how to register to vote,” according to the Google blog.
In a year that bid farewell to myriad cultural icons, people searched “how to be a good role model.” When first responders and local Navy SEALs rescued a team of soccer players from a cave in Thailand, the world was inspired — searches for “scuba diving lessons near me” increased by 110 percent that week.
So what did Houstonians search most in 2018? Google’s answers reveal an interest in sports, movies, and celebs who’ve passed away this year. A horrific local tragedy also finds its way on the list.
Here are the top 10 searches for Houston in 2018.
World Cup
Hardly a surprising entry, given Houston’s rabid soccer fan base. (This also bodes well for a Houston World Cup hosting bid.)
Mac Miller
The 26-year-old rapper known for his crafty wordplay died in September of an apparent drug overdose.
Black Panther
The breakout action marvel of Marvel’s universe is already generating Oscar buzz.
Anthony Bourdain
Groundbreaking and grounded, the beloved food and travel host sent shockwaves across the globe when he ended his life in June.
Kate Spade
In eerie foreshadowing to Bourdain’s death, the celebrated designer and founder of the eponymous fashion brand hanged herself just days before the TV star.
Mega Millions
When the national lottery boasted a record $1.6 billion drawing, Houstonians were scrambling for tickets to a three-comma life.
Aretha Franklin
Americans showed their r-e-s-p-e-c-t to The Queen of Soul, who departed this mortal coil in August.
Incredibles 2
The family favorite flick made for great entertainment and inspiration for group Halloween costume ideas.
Xxxtentacion
Another young rapper was lost this year, this one by a shooting in Florida.
Santa Fe High School
Houstonians responded quickly to the rural school which suffered a mass shooting; 10 people were killed by a 17-year-old student.
While the top searches included deaths and tragedy, Google notes that overall, the year was optimistic. “During a year of highs and lows, the Year in Search highlights all the ways people continued to search for ‘good’ — and this year, it was more than ever,” says the Google blog.