As we inch toward the end of 2013, Google has released its year-end Zeitgeist (“spirit of the times”), which highlights the people, places, and moments that captured attention worldwide throughout the year. This year is somehow different: The search giant has posted the most global Zeitgeist to date, with more than 1,000 top 10 lists across multiple categories from 72 countries. And despite its “fresh” release, the iPhone 5s has made its way to the top 10 global searches this year.
As the top 10 global trending searches of 2013 list reveals, the No. 1 position went to Nelson Mandela, an international symbol of strength and peace. The already-high interest in his person was pushed upwards by his passing, just like in the case of Paul Walker (his death helped him reach the No. 2 position on the list).
Apple’s iPhone 5s grabbed the No. 3 position on the global trending searches of 2013 list. The most-sought-after gadget (gold anyone?) was followed by Cory Monteith, while the “Harlem Shake” closed the top 5 most popular searches.
Here is the global trending searches of 2013 list in full:
And finally, here is the Google Zeitgeist video, which is well worth that 1:31 of your time.
