It has been an eventful year in the world of Wikipedia, with some surprising trends emerging in the most-read articles of 2023. At the top of the list is the fascinating and controversial development of Artificial Intelligence, specifically ChatGPT. Since its launch in November 2022, ChatGPT has taken the globe by storm, amassing an astounding one hundred million users on the site. This impressive feat has secured its place as the most popular article of the year, with over 49 million page views in 2023 alone.
The allure of ChatGPT lies in its ability to engage and interact with users, making it both intriguing and, for some, terrifying. With its potential implications for the future of communication and human-computer interaction, it is no wonder that so many people were drawn to learn more about this groundbreaking technology.
Coming in at the second most-read article was the list of deaths in 2023. Over 42 million people delved into this somber subject to pay their respects and stay up to date on the loss of some well-known stars. Among the deceased who made it onto the top 20 list were Friends star Matthew Perry and singer/songwriter Lisa-Marie Presley. Their untimely deaths gripped the lives of many, and the Wikipedia articles dedicated to their legacies attracted significant attention.
In the realm of entertainment, the release of the highly anticipated film ‘Barbenheimer’ captured the imagination of cinema lovers. This unique cinematic event saw the simultaneous release of both Barbie and Oppenheimer on the same weekend. While Greta Gerwig’s Barbie film exploded onto our screens and became the highest-grossing film in Ireland ever, it was Oppenheimer that garnered more attention on Wikipedia. The film, which tells the tale of US nuclear physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his involvement in the development of nuclear weapons, generated a staggering 57% more page views than its counterpart. Over 25 million people were captivated by Oppenheimer’s story, demonstrating a thirst for knowledge about this historical figure and the events that shaped our world.
Sports also had a significant presence on the most-read list, with the 2023 Cricket World Cup taking the third spot. Cricket, a beloved sport worldwide, made its debut on the list, attracting 1.25 million views on the day of the tournament final, in which Australia emerged victorious. The Indian Premier League followed closely behind, solidifying its status as one of the most popular sporting events globally.
Notable figures in the world of soccer, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, continued to captivate the minds of internet users. Articles related to these iconic players, as well as the Premier League, claimed spots on the list as well. The enduring popularity of soccer and the talented athletes who grace the field remains a constant, drawing fans from around the world.
Music sensation Taylor Swift also found her way onto the list, thanks in part to the immense success of her worldwide Era’s tour. With two back-to-back concerts scheduled in the Aviva Stadium next June, Swift’s presence and influence are undeniable.
Amidst all the entertainment and sports news, the ongoing turmoil following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, still dominated headlines. Over 12.7 million people sought information on Wikipedia about this grave situation, highlighting the importance of staying informed about global events that shape our world.
Lastly, controversial media personality Andrew Tate rounded out the top 25 most-read articles. Tate, alongside his brother and two women, faced arrest in Romania in December 2022. After his release from house arrest in August, Tate vehemently denied the charges against him, claiming they were “based on nothing.” This story captivated readers and sparked intense debate.
As the year comes to a close, the top 25 most-read Wikipedia articles of 2023 offer a fascinating snapshot of the topics and events that captured the attention of millions of people worldwide. From the rise of Artificial Intelligence to the passing of beloved figures, from sports triumphs to geopolitical turmoil, these articles reflect the diverse interests and concerns of our global community.
Use the share button below if you liked it.