What Would Your Internet Search History Say About You?
How about whole states? Estately, a website that claims to be "an addictive easy way to shop for homes" did just that. "The results ranged from mildly amusing to completely disturbing. No doubt this information will come in handy for anyone trying to decide which state they want to buy a home in, especially for those curious how their potential neighbors spend their time online."
Here's a sampling of the first four states in the Union (listed alphabetically):
ALABAMA: FOX News / God / Impeach Obama / Jesus / Jessica Simpson / Obama Is The Antichrist / Polka / Satan
Analysis: It’s a fire and brimstone kind of state, but with a soft spot for pretty blondes.
ALASKA: Adult Friend Finder / AR-15 / Bestiality / Bird Watching / Couch Surfing / Mail Order Bride / Pull Tabs / Sarah Palin
Analysis: It’s awful lonely up north.
ARIZONA: Conjugal Visits / Hippies / Scorpion Sting / How are babies made?
Analysis: Things you’d overhear on an Arizona hippie commune: “I have to reschedule my conjugal visit because have to see a doctor about this scorpion sting.
ARKANSAS: Atkins Diet / End of Days / Lap Band Surgery / Learn to Read / Walmart Jobs
Analysis: In 2013, Arkansas was declared the most obese state in America, and evidently they did something about it because in 2014 they’re now the second most obese.
. . . and then we get to our own lovable state of California.
CALIFORNIA: Alcoholics Anonymous / Bros Before Hos / Dandruff Cure / Food Poisoning / Google Glass / Kim Kardashian / Meat is Murder / Paris Hilton / Pokemon / Rogaine / What does Siri look like?
Analysis anyone? You have learned how to do analysis and critical thinking throughout your college career, what does California's favorite web searches say about us?
I would say Californians have a lot of personal problems, and then divide these searches by categories. Health and appearance problems would relate to Alcoholics Anonymous, Dandruff cure, food poisoning, and Rogaine. Immaturity/being perverted can be one category, where Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, and Bros Before Hos would fall under well. Pokemon and what does siri look like makes us look weird by having weird curiosity. So, overall, if I had to describe Californians in one sentence, we'd be "weird, perverted, health-deprived, vegetarian animal activists.
ReplyDeleteIf someone just got to know me based on my internet search history, they would most likely think I was very studious but also looked at weird things. My search history currently is filled with a majority of my school websites/logins and girly things such as crafting and make up tutorials. An individual might think I am very into school, but I am a typical California girl from all the things I look up. The typical California searches include Meat is Murder, Alcoholics Anonymous, Kim Kardashian, and many more. Let me tell you that you would definitely find at least one of those in my search history. The common web searches of California tell an individual that Californians look up a variety of things, but they look up things that benefit themselves or improve themselves. Citizens want to improve themselves with things such as Rogaine or dandruff care in order to look like the beautiful celebrities of Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian.
ReplyDeleteI think our internet search history says that Californians are very interested in the latest trends. I think we are very interested in these things because they happen right in front of us. Californians are bombarded with new fashion trends, diet crazes, celebrity scandals, and beauty techniques. We are constantly seeing the next new thing and because most people want to stay up to date with the latest trend, it would make sense that our Google search history is full things like Google Glass and Kim Kardashian. I find this very interesting because to me, this history makes plenty of sense to find in California.
ReplyDeleteAlcoholics anonymous, bros before hos, dandruff cure, and meat murder I would say that my fellow Californians are suffering. I agree with henrydang23 that we are suffering from personal problems and these problems would consist of our health, how modern culture affects our minds, and the unusual interests that seem to entertain us. The different types of wed searches that are most popular within our state shows how diverse this state really is. When I talk about modern culture I specifically am referring to the popularity of reality shows and how they have become a huge factor within our society and both Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton would fall under that category. So to sum it all up I would say that Californians are health disadvantaged, reality show obsessed, liberal beings.
ReplyDeleteComparing to other states’ searching topics listed above, California seems to be the most normal one: no extreme political attitudes, no guns, no scorpion, and no end of days, but just daily trifles, technology topics, celebrities, even video games.
ReplyDeleteCalifornian searches tell that how stable Californian economic conditions and mental conditions are, in my opinion. With reliable income, residences care more about improving lifestyles, for example that they searched food poisoning, Dandruff for health and Google Glass and Siri for new experiences. Also, they try to be friendly with environment like thinking about whether meat is murder. With leisure time, they tend to enrich personal life with fun, for instance, searching Pokemon series, talking about actress and political figure’s daughter and searching slang and vocabularies. Only people whose lives are backed up with stable economy and whose minds are positive in general can search those topics; that’s what California’s favorite web search say about Californians.
I had to go look at my search history as soon as I read this. If someone were to judge me based on my internet search history, they would think that I am a college student, that I am currently searching for a job in San Antonio, and that I have a serious online shopping addiction! All of which are pretty true. However, I can definitely say that I have never searched any of the things that most Californians are searching. It seems pretty superficial that four of our top searches are celebrities, Rogaine, and a question about what a technological aide looks like. It was pretty concerning to me that two of the other top searches were "Alcoholics Anonymous" and "Food Poisoning". What does that say about us as Californians? I suppose it's good that people who have problems with alcohol are seeking help, but we must be a state full of really bad cooks!
ReplyDeleteAlthough surprised by the exact searches, it sort of does not strike me how weird California’s searches are. California is a state of diversity and uniqueness. We are of a colorful state if you mind. It’s super weird about the “Meat is Murder” search though. Never thought that would be a statement I would have ever repeat. Well like I said, California is a different state. One question though, since there is a search about “Alcoholics Anonymous”, does that make us an alcoholic state? Maybe. For some reason I can understand “Pokemon”, “Google Glass”, “Paris Hilton”, and especially “Kim Kardashian” though. "Pokemon" is popular, "Google Glass" just came out recently, but not "Paris Hilton"! Cheesy joke there, but "Kim Kardashian" is a huge story and is super popular.
ReplyDeleteFor California there are many ways to go about our web searches, but it seems that people go based on the latest trends and how people are viewed. When broken further, the latest trends include Hollywood stars like Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton or the latest accessories like the Google glass and Rogaine. As for appearance, friends use the saying "Bros before Hoes" or using Dandruff Cure to keep up with how people see you. California's analysis would probably be something like "Hold on, what's the latest in California?" I would use this as the analysis for California because most of the searches had to do with the latest trends online or publicized on television. Each of those searches I have either come across on TV or on the internet, implying that Californians like to know what is popular in society.
ReplyDeleteWhat it say is that California needs a lot of help and when I mean a lot of help I'm serious. Looking at Alaska I see the AR-15, that in California is a no no. Or California searching Bros before Hoes? Really California? My search history would bore people to death and I live in California.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed looking at each state and seeing what each state represented and the searches that go with them. When I looked at California I laughed really hard because it said "bros before hoes"! It said a lot in Cali so I understand why it's there. Also it has "Kim Kardashian" in it so that's pretty interesting too. My favorite saying out of all is the state that says "unicorn tattoo" even though it isn't for our state it's still really funny. This does say a lot about us because it's not anything intelligent it's non important things. Hopefully people don't think about this still when it comes to California. It also fairly strange that "Alcoholics Anonymous" and "Food Poisoning" come up because they aren't good. We aren't the only ones that have bad things so it's not such a bad thing. I also think it's funny that "Pokemon" is included in the searches. Even though these are the major searches for California this doesn't fully represent us.
ReplyDeleteViewing this article and reading about these individual states solidified one thing in particular, that these states have lived up to their stereotypical labels that have been given to them by other individuals. It is quite funny how citizens of a particular state search on the internet quite often about the very things that individuals stereotype against the citizens of other states. For example, when it comes to California, we are stereotyped as individuals who adore and connect with celebrities, and are all turning vegan. These internet searches solidified what Californians are indeed looking up as a state and in turn has somewhat made a case for the stereotypes given to states such as California or any other state to be real. I personally feel that these stereotypes given to California are not truly accurate, but one could make a case after seeing what Californians indeed search when they are on the internet.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read California's favorite web searches I laughed, especially when I read "bros before hos". I thought that was so funny because I hear that phrase often. But what the web searches say about us is that some of us tend to research random unimportant things. It doesn't necessarily represent California in a negative way or a positive way. Also some California residents, if not most, don't even search for most of these topics.
ReplyDeleteI think it's really cool to see the most googled things by state.
ReplyDeleteMy analysis is Californians are random, but not too weird. Pokemon to Kim Kardashian- soooo random! The other states have some sort of correlation, but California goes from media stars, to personal problems, to video games. If I were to judge California from its search history, I wouldn't be put off by it. The search history does say a lot about our state. For example, California is always revolving around media/Hollywood (Kim Kardashian/Paris Hilton), and "Meat is Murder"- we do have a lot of vegetarians/vegans/environmentalists. I do wonder how accurate it is, though. Looking at Alaska's history, I would not want to live there. It could be skewed data because people who don't have access to computers aren't taken into account. It might be people who are bored and spend a lot of time on their computers doing these searches. If someone judged me by my search history, they would think I'm fat. I always google the best places to go out to eat, especially for ice cream or sweets, and most recently I googled national free food holidays. It would be interesting to monitor the most searched things each year to see how trends and states change.
I believe that, as Californians are very scattered across the boards. From the looks of it we have problems as well. When you look at the first four, it shows that we all are connected to personal problems or trends such as listed above. It seems that in California we have a lot of people who are alcoholics and who can’t seem to eat at the right restaurants that doesn’t give them food poisoning. Funny to see that Google Glass is up there because people in San Francisco who have Google Glass are considered “glassholes” believe or not. I was laughing so hard when I first read that. We as Californians like to be on the latest news and trends and aside from Pokemon it just shows how big anime is big in California. All in all, we’re pretty weird.
ReplyDeleteFrom seeing what people in California search I would say it describes the majority of people who live there, an eclectic bunch who do not really take things to seriously, but they do have weird and personal issues that they are trying to fix. If you look at other states searches they care about politics and gun control but Californians are more interested in what Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton are up to (assuming that it is not them who keep searching themselves). Alcohol Anonymous happens to be the first thing that is most common that might show that Californian like to party so hard that they end up getting addicted to that lifestyle and realizing they need help. Some might even say that Californians have self conscious issues about their hair because their is more than one thing they search about hair.
ReplyDeleteThe article, “What Would your Internet Search History Say about You?” is very interesting because we can tell a lot about a person or a general population by looking at their internet history. States such as Alaska are isolated and the weather makes it hard for people to leave their houses. So I think the assumption that Alaska is lonesome, is correct. I found the assumption about Arizona surprising because I would think things like immigration would come up because of the controversies. I would never think that “How are babies made?” would be under their search history because that is just a dumb question unless you are very young. In terms of California, I think we can say that our state is full of over dramatic people that find entertainment in watching other people’s lives, depend on internet to solve their problems and have really bad hair days.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I find it quite disturbing that people have access to our search history let alone creating a description about a person and in this case a state based on what you search. Though I must admit I also do find it amusing reading what the search history says about each state, especially out great state of California. Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton of all people... that truly does say a lot about what goes on through a persons mind. If I were to be described as a person based on my search history I would be considered a simple minded jock with a sprinkle of intelligence due to my consistent use of sportscaster and college homework.
ReplyDeleteIt may be a bit creepy that through the internet one is able to see what all states of America are searching up, but to be quite honest, in a sense it is kind of funny the results that come back. Every state has there own quote on quote "stereotypes" that make them unique from the rest of the states, but usually as Americans I feel we hear all the these stereotypes, but don't necessarily believe them because obviously there are many people in a state whom do not act the way others believe they do act. For me, it is just a little humorous that now through the internet, one can conclude that these stereotypes may possibly be legit because these residents in these states are viewing these particular items on the internet that match the stereotype that has been placed on them by the rest of the country. So with all this in consideration, if you have the urge to move away and are in a jam trying to find a home, maybe it best to think, "What stereotype fits me best? The southern charm and comfort of the south? The beautiful coast and relaxing lifestyle of California? Or the busy and upscale lifestyle of the east coast?" If this search website is indeed correct, then I would pick the stereotype you always dreamed of living, and move there pronto!
ReplyDeleteLuke Teyler - California’s favorite web searches say that we are obsessed with pop culture, the way we look, eating healthy, and technology. The searches for Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton make sense because L.A. and Hollywood reside in our state and people are always curious what famous, rich, and attractive people are doing. Our culture here in California also cares a lot about outward appearances; this is from the fact that we tend to idolize movie stars. This is why I think “Rogaine” and “dandruff cure” are popular searches. We always see perfectly photoshoped pictures of famous people on magazines and we tend to what to be just like that. There must be a big vegetarian movement or a lot of people caring about animals rights in this state due to the “Meat is murder” search. For the most part, Californians don’t go out hunting so our view on killing animals is way different from someone living in Montana. The “Google Glass” and “What does Siri look like” searches show that we love the latest technology and this makes sense because the Silicon Valley is in California. Major technological companies are based in our state and their products are highly valued here.
ReplyDeleteIf someone were to get to know me through my search history they would find out some interesting things about me, some of those things I might not even share if i were to meet them in person just because they are personal but it seems like they aren't personal to the internet if they are able to tap into peoples search history to find out what is mostly searched. Looking at California's most searched topics compared to other states, I can make an analysis that we care about our physical appearance, we value entertainment, we love technology and we are diverse. Searches of Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton show what California likes. The guys enjoy the appearance while the ladies are trying to achieve that look. This might tie up to "meat is murder" . People might be turning more to being vegetarian in order to look great or maybe because California loves animals. The dandruff cure and rogaine also tell me that we care about our appearance. Pokemon, google glass, and siri are also popular searches among California. This shows how California is very technologically oriented. Overall there is a mixture of searches from alcoholics to pokemon players to those interested in their appearance, this shows that California is very diverse.
ReplyDeleteIf someone were to base their judgment of me based on my web searches I think it might be pretty consistent with how I am most of the time (my searches are usually of nerdy things that I unabashedly adore). There are of course more personal and private things in my search history, which reflect the more nuanced part of my being that I do mask when I'm out in the "real world" however that's one of those things that's pretty darn universal and shared amongst everyone. If one had access to all of those searches, they'd probably get a nice "complementary" side to go along with the actual person. I don't really think one can grasp the full scope of any person based solely upon searches, as it's really just information without context. California's collective search, I feel suggests that we're kind of a microcosm of the whole world. There's quite a bit of representation, although admittedly the only one that consistently catches my interest amongst them is Pokemon lol, ESPECIALLY with the remakes of my favorite titles in the series re-releasing on 11/21. (<3) As is evident by Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton it's quite clear that we're all pretty enveloped in the lives of the people we admire which has been a staple of history as far as I can tell. Rogaine and Dandruff Cure indicate that we're also pretty mindful of our appearance (who isn't though?) and how hair is related to that, considering that hair is one of the more simple yet noticeable aspects to one's appearance. Along with the hair products, Food Poisoning and Meat is Murder shows that we scrutinize quite intensely the things that we eat in relation to health, and that our consumption of meat weighs pretty heavy upon us, which is pretty ironic considering California has a pretty substantial farming industry (Foster Farms, Happy Cows come from California, anyone?) Google Glass and What does Siri look like?, show that we're pretty invested in the technology of the day, trying to stay up to date on it, and that virtual companions have become just that. Alcoholics anonymous tell me that we're trying to end the phenomena of drunk driving, alcohol related injuries and alcohol poisoning are becoming more and more common. And lastly, Bros before hos, one of the golden tenants of the guy code(tbh I'm pretty sure it goes both ways with this, even with the wording) shows that the Spice Girls' message still lives on within the hearts of Californians.
ReplyDeleteI think every state is a little weird and random but is also actually stereotypical. I mean for example Alaska had bird watching, and Sarah Palin. I find that hilarious because I would assume that both those things are popular in Alaska.With that being said California fulfills stereotypes by having searched celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton. Which seems normal however because Hollywood and the media is a huge thing in California, many tourist come to simply go to Hollywood. On top of that California is known for having surfers and beaches so the search term Bros Before Hoes fits that stereotype. The most random web searches are Pokemon, Rogaine and Food poisoning. Although California is known for having a huge pool of diversity so Pokemon makes sense. When it comes to technology we are known to have Silicon valley where all the computer companies are, and we are big on technology. Therefore the web searches on google and what Siri look like is no surprise. To me these web searches show that California is made up of a wide variety of diversity and is filled with just everyday regular citizens who have lived here. I am also guilty with searching a couple of these and I’m sure many other Californians have done the same.
ReplyDeleteCalifornia is known to be the “liberal” state. The searches make it seem like people in this state don’t really care about the state as a whole. The state is abnormally long, it is divided into NorCal and SoCal, which from experience are two completely environments. But overall, Californians from both ends are very self centered and really only think of them selves. Media and technology rule this state. Media keeps people updates on celebrity gossip instead of important news that can change the state and people care more about the latest trends than a new proposition that can better the future.
ReplyDeleteThe “California’s famous web searches" tells that the media, fashion, latest trends and technology has a big influence to people who lives in California. This means these are all part of their daily life and social media plays a big part in keeping them updated in the latest trends and news about famous celebrities. I think this tends to happen since this is the place where Hollywood, Google and Apple is and it is not surprising that this is the impact of it to the people.
ReplyDeleteThe top web searches of California, accurately describe Californians. As in we are one of the most diverse places in the states, as well as the world! So these top searches from our home state, accurately describes the population and their interests. We have Hollywood and Silicon Valley to name a few of the biggest industries, so it is not surprising to have a few Californians care more about 'google glass' while some other Californians care more about Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton. California is a pizza with a whole bunch of toppings that sums up our diversity and different cultures.
ReplyDeleteI think that the web searches for California are completely common. I know for a fact that some, if not all are true. It might be "state typical" rather than stereotypical, just because on reality those are the things we worry most about. I have cousins in Texas who believe that's all we know, or say. Especially my cousins in Texas, they think that since I moved to the bay ill come back home saying "hella" or "hecka." Of course these searches don't describe every Californian, but its true, it what we're known for. It's typical Cali behavior.
ReplyDeleteMy analysis of these web searchers are that Californians continue to search the things that are popular at the moment. Many of those searches are things that someone might have heardabout or as a joke they decided to look it up. On the other hand there are a bit of more serious topics where the users might have been seriously curious about something or were looking for a cure to help them get over and past something.We as Californians are in one of the most popular states which consist a lot of celebrities and main-stream objects and shows. But we are also a state of people who have problems that we might not be able to get over ourselves. There were a couple in there that are mainly as jokes, two examples were the "bros before hoes" and "What does Siri look like?". These searches did not surprise me at all because they are common things talked about in California.
ReplyDeleteMy analysis of these web searchers are that Californians continue to search the things that are popular at the moment. Many of those searches are things that someone might have heardabout or as a joke they decided to look it up. On the other hand there are a bit of more serious topics where the users might have been seriously curious about something or were looking for a cure to help them get over and past something.We as Californians are in one of the most popular states which consist a lot of celebrities and main-stream objects and shows. But we are also a state of people who have problems that we might not be able to get over ourselves. There were a couple in there that are mainly as jokes, two examples were the "bros before hoes" and "What does Siri look like?". These searches did not surprise me at all because they are common things talked about in California.
ReplyDeleteWith the help of google glasses and beer you will now be able to catch a pokemon with your favorite celebrity girlfriend named iosSiri 1.1 while she eat a salad. Creating this was hard but I think I got pretty close to explain how our analysis will be in the state. The Alaska one was the best one in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteIf the internet was able to identify me just based on my search results I will think the person will feel sorry for me. I went through my google search history and the top 3 things in my search box was "how to fix __________ on a pontiac grand prix,""oakland A's highlights from 2012,2013, and 2014" and "watch family guy online free." I just think they will feel bad for me because I have so many problems wrong with my car that right when I fix one problem it leads to another. With the A's I just get heart broken on how we got knocked out in the playoffs for the last 3 years. And with family guy I can never find the episode I want.
It will be amazing if this is based on how other people will view us if it was only based on our google searches.
If someone only got to know me based on my search history on the Internet, I would probably be ostracized for searching things others wouldn’t even imagine searching up. For instance, if someone saw that I searched “how to play basketball with no limbs”, they would very quickly draw the assumption that I don’t have any limbs. However, with that not being the case, I simply enjoy searching up random topics that are of interest to me. If someone were to draw a picture of me solely based on my Internet search history, they would probably think I’m healthy criminal because I enjoy reading about things regarding health (drugs, nutrition, training, etc.). A descriptive analysis could be performed based on my Internet history data. Having searched countless amounts of eclectic topics, people could simply compile these searches and further analyze who I am and what I like.
ReplyDeleteEnglish 1002
ReplyDeleteBlog Quiz 2
Paola Davalos
Blink 182 tour, Dad hats, funny vines, where to buy dog shoes, how to do yo-yo tricks
some of my recent searches show I am not as serious as I may seem, and I am quite curious. However, there are previous searches that are not as suitable for an audience. Many will say "I have nothing to hide" or "my searches will show I am a cool, interesting, hip person" but in all honesty, they probably search up answers to their psychology quiz or how to grow out their hair in a month or who drake is (because obviously they are not active in the music industry). In my opinion, that is totally fine, everyone is curious and no one should judge another based on that.
However, answering the question: analyzing someone based on their search history can actually tell you a lot about the person. If they are searching a lot of vines, youtube videos, funny movies it is safe to say they are comedians. If you see a search engine with a history of Becca highlighters, how to do a cut crease, and colourpop, the person is most likely a novice make-up artist.
Analyzing whole states could be tricky. Of course a lot of people in Alaska live the same life, but not everyone thinks the same or has the same curiosities. Looking at California's searches, one could say California is the most diverse, conceited and hip-lingo using state in America. This seems rather correct for our state but what about the serious lawyers and award winning doctors we have in California? What about the anti-marijuana citizens from Arizona? Are whole-state analysis really accurate?
I agree that a person's search history accurately describe who you are because it shows what the person's taste and what the person likes to do on his or her free time. The search history can describe what is his or her career is, if the person is social or not, and can hint what hobbies that person enjoys. As a Californian, i can see why the search history is how it is because California is a large, diverse, and tech heavy community. I feel like these searches were searched because of Hollywood and everyone wanting to follow the latest fad or trend.
ReplyDeleteI find it very funny and the same time interesting article. In my daily life I use google a lot, since it is very convenient and I can ask or search whatever topic interest me. I feel free and anonymous in the internet therefore I can search what I really care. I remember that I found out that google saves all your searches under your account. I got curious and wanted to see my history search of past years. To my surprise, I could not remember half of these search inquiries. I could not remember the reason, circumstances I was looking up in the internet. I guess I searched something that was very popular or provocative at that particular time.
ReplyDeleteLooking back at the article and specifically at Californian search result, I would say the search results would still be very actual in 2017. Even this year Pokémon, Kim Kardashian would be still very actual topics. I believe that most of California research are the latest trends. Therefore, Californias are healthy vegererian tech people, who are also interested in entertainment industry and want to have a good shiny hair.
Biubiuia Kempirbaeva DVC ENLG 126