Yahoo’s 10 biggest search terms of 2023 in the UK revealed

It's been a turbulent year in the UK with crises abroad, an economy hobbled by inflation and numerous celebrity scandals that have gripped the nation, but what did Yahoo users search for most in 2023?

The results, which were pulled from hundreds of millions of searches on Yahoo in the past 12 months, reveal that most people are concerned about the major events of the world that are shaping things back at home.

Of all the subjects people searched for, some surprising ones did not quite make it into the top 10. The eternally popular and this year's TIME Person of the Year, Taylor Swift was the 15th most searched for term in 2023. Worries about house prices and the war in Gaza also did not make it into the top 10. Prince Harry's legal war against the tabloids and Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia rounded out the top 15.

But can you guess what made it into the top 10? This year's mix of technology, politics, sport and celebrity contains many you may guess but there are also a few surprises.

1. ChatGPT

ChatGPT was launched in November 2022 but it took a few months for people to realise its true power and just how humanlike it could be. This sparked a wave of interest as people marvelled over the answers the chatbot generated but over subsequent months as similar products were launched many began to worry about what AI could do to society.

Read more: We asked ChatGPT if ChatGPT should be paused (Yahoo News UK)

2. Ukraine war

The second full year of the war in Ukraine saw offensives from both sides but neither managed to make much progress, despite the deaths of thousands of soldiers. In recent months political opposition in Western countries to supporting Ukraine has taken hold with many questioning if sending so much taxpayer money to support the Ukrainians in their fight is worth it.

Read more: Ukraine’s war widows forge a path towards an uncertain future (France24)

3. Coronavirus

The COVID pandemic officially came to an end in May 2023, but health officials worldwide have warned a rogue variant could still pose a threat. On top of this, the UK COVID Inquiry got underway as evidence revealed the chaos at the heart of government during lockdown.

Read more: The Covid Inquiry is a shameless cover-up (The Telegraph)

4. Rugby World Cup

South Africa won the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France this year after defeating New Zealand in the final. England suffered a bitter defeat to South Africa in the semi-finals after the Spring Boks scored a converted try and penalty in the final 11 minutes to win 16-15.

Read more: Rugby World Cup: Expand to 24 teams - how to fix the scheduling of a momentum-free tournament (Yorkshire Post)

5. Strictly Come Dancing

Season 21 of Strictly Come Dancing saw Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach win the competition alongside Vito Coppola. It was the first series to debut following the death of former judge Len Goodman in April.

Read more: Who are you most looking forward to seeing dance on the Strictly Christmas special? (Yahoo News UK)

6. Donald Trump

Donald Trump's numerous legal battles across the UK saw him make headlines almost constantly throughout the year. He testified at a civil case over his business practices in New York and was recently disqualified from running as a presidential candidate in Colorado over his role in the January 2020 insurrection.

Read more: Trump's fate now rests in the hands of the Supreme Court. Here are their 3 options. (Business Insider)

7. Interest / Mortgage rates

To combat double-digit inflation the Bank of England increased interest rates several times in 2023 to a high of 5.25%. The sharp rise led to a subsequent increase in mortgage rates which led to millions being forced to pay significantly more for their loans after growing used to record low levels.

Read more: Will UK house prices and interest rates rise or fall in 2024? (Yahoo News UK)

8. Transport strikes

A constant plague for UK workers and people hoping to travel the country this year was the regular strikes that crippled the rail network this year. The strike by train drivers and platform staff led to thousands of trains being cancelled and even when workers returned to their posts many train companies have struggled to maintain a reliable service since then.

Read more: UK strikes – who will be walking out over the next month? (PA)

9. Vladimir Putin

The war in Ukraine was orchestrated by Vladimir Putin and ever since then, the world's attention has been focused on him. Regular rumours of his supposed use of body doubles and his rumoured ill health have circled. He also welcomed North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Russia earlier this year.

Read more: Putin's four-hour Q&A is a valuable insight into the Russian president's version of reality (The Conversation)

10. Holly Willoughby

Holly Willoughby had a difficult year in 2023 and one made even harder by the intense media interest she attracts. In May her on-screen partner Philip Schofield left Good Morning Britain after it emerged he had an extramarital affair with a younger man who worked at ITV, leaving Willoughby in a tight spot.

Then a few months later in October, a man was arrested under suspicion of plotting to abduct and kill Willoughby. A week later she quit ITV saying she needed to make the decision "for me and my family."

Read more: Holly Willoughby: What will she do now she has left This Morning? (Yahoo News UK)