Towards the end of any year it’s in our nature to look back at the 12 months just before and to measure a sense of what the year meant for us – both individually and collectively. As a consequence lists of ‘most popular’ are often drawn up to see what the nation were thinking, doing, wearing or how we were living in that particular year.
Social media channels give us yet more ways in to which to analyse the behaviour of a nation – providing us with the compilation of Facebook’s most discussed topics of conversations during 2013, for example. In it is pleasing to see that sport and persons of genuine public interest take precedence over reality stars and people of fleeting fame. The return of The X factor to UK screens in fact is the only reference to any reality TV in the top 10 at all, and that is refreshingly low down the list at number 8.
So what were we talking about in 2013? In ascending order here is the top ten:
10. Grand theft Auto 5 released on X-Box 360 and PS3
This much awaited release got people talking this Autumn.
9. The ‘Bedroom Tax’ introduced by the Tory government
The new bedroom tax legislation was ill-received, leading to much Facebook discussion about it.
8. The X Factor hits our screens once again
Sharon Osborne’s return was a major talking point this year
7. England cricket team holds on to the Ashes
Sporting loyalty sees us discussing cricket
6. Call of Duty: Ghosts released on X-Box 360 and PS3
Another popular game release got people talking.
5. Sir Alex Ferguson retires from Man Utd manager post
Britain’s most successful football manager steps down after 26 years at the helm.
4. Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge welcome Prince George in to the world
For many Facebookers the Royal birth was 2013s highlight.
3. Borussia Dortmund contend Bayern Munich at UEFA Championships League final at Wembley stadium
This sporting event had many of you talking
2. Baroness Thatcher dies
Like her or loathe her, the Iron Lady’s departure was talked about only less than…
Andy Murray wins men’s singles titles at Wimbledon
77 years after the UKs last men’s singles Wimbeldon win, Murray sees success on home soil.
