Most searched conspiracy theories of 2020

Given the year that was, you might not be surprised to hear that conspiracy theories remained at the top of many people’s interests throughout 2020.

But while there were plenty of bonkers posts and protests relating to the coronavirus, the ongoing pandemic didn’t actually top the list of the most Googled conspiracy theories, legends or myths over the past 12 months.

Fresh Student Living analysed search data from around the world to find out more about the mysteries that have apparently been grabbing our attention.

Apparently in Australia, we know something about Lizard People with 1,900 searches each month, while in the UK Moon Landing Hoaxers take the top spot with an average of 4,400 searches.

The US it seems are Bigfoot obsessed with on average 21,100 google searches per month, while Germany has something to say about UFOs, and France is all about Beyonce and the Illuminati.

Here are the most searched conspiracy theories for 2020:

Aliens, Crop circles and UFOs

Topics around unexplained alien activity ranked highest on the list of Google searches virtually everywhere, with mysteries like crop circles, Area 51 and UFOs being the favourites.

The top 'crop circle' searches come from America (33,100) and the UK (9,900).

Lizard People

The idea of shape-shifting lizards taking human forms in a plot to rule the world has become one of the most marvellous yet bizarre conspiracy theories created by mankind.

According to David Icke, a new-age philosopher and one of the most prominent theorists in the lizard people game, these creatures have had their claws in humankind since ancient time.

World leaders like Queen Elizabeth, George W. Bush, the Clintons, and Bob Hope are all lizard people, according to people who believe this idea.

In Australia it was the top most searched conspiracy theory.

Loch Ness Monster

The Loch Ness Monster, one of the most famous Scottish legends, also cropped up in Google searches this year from almost every country.

Last year, YouGov asked nearly 4,000 people in the UK whether they believe in the Loch Ness Monster - 71 per cent said no against just 15 per cent who said yes.

Although 12 per cent admitted to not knowing either way, which means the verdict is still out.

The top 'Loch Ness Monster' searches come from America (4,400) and the UK (2,900).

Elvis Presley

There are plenty of ‘is XX still alive?’ or ‘is XX dead?’ searches constantly happening around for a host of celebrities including Paul McCartney (top search term ‘is Paul dead’) or Avril Lavigne (‘avril lavigne clone’).

But one of the most highly searched celebrity conspiracy theories have to do with the King Elvis Presley.

In Russia, for example, there are around 70 searches for ‘is Elvis alive?’ every month, which means the old conspiracy about the King being spotted out and about is still doing the rounds.

The Moon Landing

The Moon Landing is another old conspiracy theory that never seems to go away and it definitely remains one of the most popular.

One of the most famous pieces of ‘evidence’ to support the idea that the moon landing was fake are images and videos of the US flag flapping on a windless moon.

These have been thoroughly debunked, but this historical moment has always had its sceptics.

Royal conspiracies

We’ve already mentioned above that some people believe certain members of the royal family are in fact Lizard People. But that isn’t the only popular royal conspiracy out there.

In 2020, searches for whether Prince Charles is a vampire were still happening every month around the world, although in much smaller numbers.

Around 20 people search for this each month in the UK and US.

‘Meghan Markle robot’ is another persistent theory that appears in searches in almost every country analysed. Around 110 people search for it each month in the UK.

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.