Taiwan's Top Google Searches of 2024 Reveal Concerns Over Earthquakes and Elections

In a year marked by significant events and concerns, Google has revealed Taiwan's top searches for 2024, with "earthquake" emerging as the most prominent keyword. This finding underscores the impact of natural disasters on the collective consciousness of Taiwanese citizens, as earthquakes have become an increasingly frequent and pressing concern. Following closely behind, the term "typhoon" secured the second position, further emphasizing the vulnerability of the region to environmental challenges. The year was also notable for political developments, particularly the presidential elections in both Taiwan and the United States. Political figures attracted significant attention, with names like Ko Wen-je, the chairman of the Taiwan People's Party, appearing prominently in search queries. The rising interest in these candidates highlights the political engagement of the Taiwanese populace as they navigate a crucial electoral landscape. Financial developments also caught the public's eye, with the TAIEX (Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index) reaching a record high this year. This economic momentum led to a surge in searches for the Yuanta Taiwan Value High Dividend ETF, identified by its code "00940." This financial instrument's popularity reflects a growing trend among investors seeking stable returns in a fluctuating market. The cultural scene in Taiwan has also thrived, evidenced by the excitement surrounding major concerts from beloved artists Jay Chou and A-mei at the Taipei Dome. The high demand for tickets triggered a notable increase in searches for the ticket-buying platform tixCraft, illustrating how live events continue to captivate audiences and drive online engagement. In addition to these highlights, Google provided insights into the Taiwanese people's growing interest in sports and entertainment. The Taiwanese film "The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon" resonated with audiences, while keywords related to the Olympics and baseball—specifically the WBSC Premier12 tournament—demonstrated an increasing enthusiasm for local athletics. Olympic boxing champion Lin Yu-ting emerged as the most searched athlete, reflecting the pride and support for Taiwanese sports figures. Moreover, the evolving landscape of online communication was captured in the popularity of the term "M3," a phrase that has taken on cultural significance as a meme. This trend indicates a public appetite for linguistic exploration and the role of social media in shaping contemporary language. As Taiwan navigates through natural disasters, political shifts, economic fluctuations, and a vibrant cultural landscape, Google's search data provides a compelling snapshot of the issues and interests that have defined the year.