In August, big events like Rio 2016 and the census were popular on Google and Facebook. Similar to What’s Trending – August 2016, music, films and celebrities also dominated much of the online conversation.

The event on everyone’s lips in August was the 2016 Rio Olympics. Australians were very interested in live updates on the medal tally, with searches for this term rising two days after the opening ceremony on 5 August. Australians in Canberra, Hobart and Newcastle were the most avid viewers, with Googlers in the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast not far behind. And when it comes to the most Googled and talked-about Olympians on Facebook, Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt take the cake.

It only comes around once every five years, but this year, the 2016 Australian census copped a lot of flak when the Australian Bureau of Statistics encouraged online submission of the census – and the website crashed by 7:30pm on the night. Understandably, searches for this term peaked on census day (9 August) and popular related queries included ‘census login’, ‘census website down’ and ‘census fine’ as thousands of Australians scrambled to get their data in.

Younger men on Facebook were all about the release of the highly anticipated superhero film Suicide Squad in August, which came out in Australia on the 4th. Based on the DC Comics team of the same name, Facebook users used the platform to talk about their predictions and thoughts on the film before and after the release date.

Orlando Bloom, most well known for his roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Lord of the Rings, returned to the public consciousness in August, though not for his acting ability. Search interest for the star peaked on 5 August when it was revealed he went paddle boarding with girlfriend Katy Perry minus a certain item of clothing. Google users in Adelaide were the most interested to get a glimpse, with Brisbane and Perth trailing closely. Related search terms included ‘Orlando Bloom paddleboard’, ‘Orlando Bloom photos’ and ‘Orlando Bloom uncensored’.

Hype around Frank Ocean’s second album came to a head in August as he released not one but two albums, Endless and Blond, on 19 and 20 August respectively. Endless, a 45-minute-long visual album, signified his departure from record label Def Jam Recordings. Google interest peaked on 21 August as users – most in Melbourne – searched for ‘Frank Ocean album’, ‘Apple Music’ and ‘solo Frank Ocean’.

People of all ages on Facebook looked back on the life of much-loved actor and comedian Gene Wilder after his passing in late August. He was especially remembered for his iconic role in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory in 1971. Both men and women participated in celebrating his long and illustrious career.

Big hits at the box office were popular this month, and relentless jokester Seth Rogen’s latest foray into animation and comedy was no different. Australians on Google wanted to read reviews on IMDb and search for movie times at Hoyts and Event Cinemas. Searches peaked on 13 August, the weekend of release, and was most popular amongst Australians in Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide.

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