The internet's obsessions in 2025 were a wild ride, and Google's Year in Search reveals all! But what were the trends that captivated the world?
AI takes center stage: Google's AI assistant, Gemini, topped the global search charts, showcasing the growing influence of artificial intelligence in our daily lives. But here's where it gets controversial—the Chinese AI company DeepSeek also made the top 10, sparking discussions about the rise of AI and its potential impact on society.
A tragic assassination: The murder of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk dominated search trends, with the incident sparking a firestorm of online reactions. From tributes to memes, and even political backlash, Kirk's death became a major news story. The Trump administration's response to online criticism of Kirk added fuel to the fire, creating a fascinating yet somber search trend.
A year of notable deaths: 2025 saw the passing of several famous figures, with Ozzy Osbourne, Hulk Hogan, and Michelle Trachtenberg among the most searched deaths. However, it was the mysterious death of a 14-year-old girl, linked to American singer D4vd, that captured the public's attention, making him the most searched person of the year.
Controversy and entertainment: The entertainment world had its fair share of controversies. Kendrick Lamar and Jimmy Kimmel made headlines, with Kimmel's show briefly suspended due to his comments on Kirk's assassination. Meanwhile, the true crime series 'Monster' topped TV searches, delving into the dark world of US serial killers.
Love triangles and literature: Romance ruled the book charts, with Colleen Hoover's 'Regretting You' and Rebecca Yarros' 'Onyx Storm' captivating readers. But it was the love triangle in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' that had everyone talking, as the book-turned-TV series became a social media sensation.
Music and sports: Taylor Swift's 'The Life of a Showgirl' and Bad Bunny's 'DmTF' battled for the top spot in song searches. In sports, athletes Terence Crawford, Rory McIlroy, and Shedeur Sanders were the most searched, while the FIFA Club World Cup intrigued fans.
Surprising omissions: Interestingly, some major trends didn't make the global ranking. The hit film 'KPop Demon Hunters', the viral Labubu toys, and Dubai chocolate were notably absent, leaving curious internet users to explore national search trends.
The internet's search trends offer a fascinating glimpse into the collective interests and obsessions of the year. What will 2026 bring? Will AI continue to dominate, or will new trends emerge? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!