You know what Google Suggest is. It is that thing that happens when you start typing in Google and suggestions for possible searches appear as you type. The way it works is that Google’s algorithms predict the search you most likely want to see using “data about the overall popularity of various searches” (direct quote from Google). If you think about it, there is something ethnographically important here. Google Suggest can tell us what Americans are searching for, what they are seeking – or at least English speakers on the American version of Google.
Every once in a while something comes along that reminds you that you know nothing about what other people are thinking. Google Suggest is just that thing. Let’s see what I found.
Let’s start with “should I”…
…if you are asking Google, the answer is “probably not”. “Should I worry” gives the opposite result…
…if you are asking Google, the answer is “definitely”.
The common searches for why things are the way they are…
Mail on Columbus Day. Honestly, hadn’t crossed my mind.
What are Americans thinking of buying? Not what I would have expected…
Same goes for a query about where is…
…the GEICO gecko – seriously? C’mon, pull it together.
Things get interesting for searches on famous figures such as the President…
No, Obama is not literally Hitler. I am not a big fan, but he’s not figuratively either. If you read a book, you might know that – don’t search, books can be found by following the link here – www.amazon.com.
Other famous people with interesting results include God.
People are invoking God all the time in their searches. In America, God has wives covered, but apparently not husbands, so we turn to the next best thing – Google…
What do American’s like? All sorts of things.
I like turtles too. I had a pet turtle growing up, but it probably would not have been at the top of my list.
What are Americans afraid of?
…Chinese people and pre-pubescent women. Not my first guesses.
What do people think about ethnic groups in America?
I have to wrap it up, but I thought I would finish up with what Americans think about fat people.
Isn’t that God’s truth?
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