SA: Top Google searches in 2023
Searching for the weather was top of the list of what South Africans searched for on Google this year.
SASSA and loadshedding were also popular Google search queries in 2023, according to Google Trends.
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ONLINE GAMBLING ON THE UPRISE
Of the top 20 searches on Google by South Africans this year, 6 search terms were related to online betting or online gambling.
According to Statista, the online gambling market in SA is expected to experience an annual growth rate of 7.42% between 2023 and 2028, with the number of users expected to reach 3.6m by 2028.
South Africa is experiencing a rise in online gambling, driven by the increasing accessibility and convenience of eServices. The improvement in the accessibility of the internet and technology is also leading to a significant growth in the online education market.
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SPORTS
Focusing on sports-related queries on Google this year, some of the search terms that were among the top 20 are: rugby, soccer, live score, premier league, Kaizer Chiefs, world cup rugby, and Man United.
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WHO DID SOUTH AFRICANS WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT?
At the top of the list of the most searched-for celebrities who passed on was rapper and musician Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA. Other top searches of celebrities who passed on included Costa Titch, Derek Watts, Zoleka Mandela, and Mangosuthu Buthelezi, according to Tech Central.
People who featured in the top results of people searched for this year included Thabo Bester, Cyan Boujee, Dr Nandipha Magudumana, Derick Hougaard, and Tyla.
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OVERALL SUMMARY OF TRENDS
“In South Africa, this year’s results show a heightened interest in celebrities, sporting events, special observed days, notable personalities who have passed on, and technology,” Google said in a statement according to Tech Central.
Looking at general questions South Africans asked on Google, data pointed to a diverse range of interests, including literature and health concerns.
“The most searched general question this year concerned Celine Dion’s well-being,” said Google.
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