To be honest, there aren’t many of us who are sorry to see the back of 2017. As far as calendar years go, this past one truly sucked. But what specifically about 2017 made it so unpalatable compared to its predecessors?
To answer this question, we analyzed the Google trends of this past year to get a better understanding of what the world thought sucked. We compiled a list of eight of the biggest grievances around the world, according to search traffic. And let us start by saying that some of them will surprise you.
So, without further ado, here’s what the world thought sucked in 2017.
Game of Thrones Sucks
With approximately 1,000 monthly Google searches this year, it’s clear that a lot of people think GameOfThrones.Sucks. Without a book to guide it, it’s fair to say season 7 of the iconic TV show felt a little chaotic at times, and while the show was able to maintain a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes, there were definitely a few loose threads and unsatisfying character arcs that forced many frustrated fans to turn to the internet. With only one season left to be released, the question is whether Game of Thrones will end with a bang or peter out into a disappointing conclusion. Regardless, we’re just hoping ‘Brimund‘ finally happens—any season that brings Tormund the Wildling and Brienne of Tarth together can’t possibly suck.
iPhone Sucks
At 1,300 average online searches per month, the iPhone sucks just a little bit more than GoT in the eyes of consumers. The simultaneous releases of the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X were accompanied by quite a bit of user backlash. Many consumers complained about the high cost of the phones and the lack of new features. Furthermore, the new model did not reintegrate the headphone jack, which was already a sore spot for consumers following the release of the iPhone 7.
It was a bold move for Apple to release three new iPhones at the same time, and it could be that this quantity over quality approach is the reason iPhones are at the top of the list.
Facebook Sucks
Facebook boasts more active monthly users than any other social platform, with over 500 million more users than YouTube. Despite this (or perhaps because of it), “Facebook Sucks” saw around 1,600 searches per month. From invasive ads to a tone deaf “VR tour” of Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria—not to mention claims that the platform was used as a tool to aid in the election of President Donald Trump—the social media giant has made more than its fair share of blunders. Throw in the platform’s proclivity for annoying clickbait and it’s no wonder the world wasn’t a fan of Facebook in 2017.
Life Sucks
With an average of 1,900 searches a month each, “Work Sucks,” “School Sucks” and “Love Sucks” were exceedingly popular searches in 2017. We get it, life’s tough. Two hour meetings over your lunch hour, pulling an all-nighter to finish a paper, never getting that text back. There’s a lot about the daily grind that just plain sucks. At least you can take heart knowing you aren’t the only one who felt like their social and professional life took a beating over the past year.
NFL Sucks
Ratings for the National Football Association (NFL) have taken a hit this year. The “Take a Knee” protest against racial inequality seems partly to blame, with numerous NFL fans saying they’ve had enough of politics mixing with sport. However, the protest is not the only reason for the dip in ratings, with the league’s overall laziness and inability to innovate also playing a key role. One thing’s for sure though: with an average of 2,900 monthly searches, it’s clear people thought the NFL sucked in 2017.
Google Sucks
Ironically, Google trends have shown that many people thought Google sucked in 2017. In fact, with approximately 4,400 monthly searches, “Google Sucks” tied with “Cancer Sucks” in search volume, which really puts into perspective how little people think of the technology giant. It’s surprising given Google’s dominance over its competitors, but maybe this is a sign of things to come.
Trump Sucks
There are plenty of reasons that POTUS sucks right now, many of which we have already documented in detail. President Trump sure knows how to push people’s buttons: Twitter rants, Russian collusion, pandering to the alt-right. But with around 8,100 monthly searches online, it may surprise you to learn that “Trump Sucks” actually comes in at number two in Google’s search history for 2017. Which begs the questions: what sucks more than Trump?
Survivor Sucks
Is Survivor still a thing? Apparently so, because 35 seasons in, the reality show is still attracting enough viewers to remain viable. Despite its longevity, Google trends reveal “Survivor Sucks” received about 9,900 monthly searches in 2017, meaning it tops the list of what the world thought sucked in 2017.
The Takeaway
From TV and sport to technology and politics, 2017 sucked for a lot of reasons. Thankfully, we can now look forward to the rest of 2018 and cross our fingers for a better year than the last. After all, it can only go up from here—right?
Want to let people know what sucked about 2017? Register LookAtWhat.Sucks and compile your own archive.
Photo Credits: Shutterstock / Pressmaster, Flickr / TaylorHerring, Shutterstock / tongcom photographer, Shutterstock / mezzotint, Shutterstock / dennizn.
