With Valentine’s Day just two days away, Nigerians are anxious about the anniversary. They are doing everything they can to make the most of it, including seeking help from the popular search engine Google.
As often done, Google has released insightful data on the search trends of Nigerians related to love, dating, and the special day. The data provides a unique window into the hearts and minds of the country’s residents as they seek answers and ideas related to the occasion.
According to Google trends, Nigerians are actively searching for information and inspiration related to Valentine’s Day, and the insights offer a fascinating glimpse into their thoughts and interests.
“At Google, our goal is to provide the information people are looking for in the moments that matter to them. These trends showcase the crucial role search plays in helping Nigerians find answers to their most pressing questions, especially during special occasions like Valentine’s Day. It underscores the importance of search in these exciting moments.”
says Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Relations Manager, Google, West Africa.
According to the data, Nigeria is currently the top country searching for love in 2023 and has been searching the most for dating apps worldwide since 2004. The search for “the origin of valentine” has also increased by 200% in the past week. The data also shows that searches for “valentine messages for boyfriend” have risen by 300% in the past week, and “valentine hair style” has surged by 250% over the same period.
According to the data, Nigerians are also searching for dating sites. Searches like “best dating app in the world” also spiked by 250%, while “the origin of valentine” rose by 200%. “Valentine gift ideas for him in Nigeria” and “best valentine gift for girlfriend” spiked by 120% in the past week.
In our previous article on Valentine’s day, we have curated about 5 dating sites where people could find love this Valentine, just in case you are part of these persons searching.
In addition to searching for Valentine’s Day ideas, Nigerians are also searching for answers to questions related to the holiday. The most trending questions on Valentine’s Day over the past week include:
- Is Valentine’s Day for Muslims?
- When was Valentine’s Day created?
- How to celebrate Valentine’s Day in school?
- What to do on Valentine’s Day with your boyfriend?
- How did Valentine’s day come about?
- Is Valentine worldwide?
- Who discovered Valentine’s Day?
- How to wish your boyfriend Happy Valentine’s Day?
- What to get your boyfriend for Valentine’s Day in high school?
- How to survive Valentine’s Day alone?
And a list of the most searched questions on dates over the past year includes:
- How to ask a girl out on a date?
- What to do on a first date?
- Where to go on a date in Lagos?
- What to discuss on a first date?
- What to wear on a first date?
- What does it mean to go on a date?
- How to date a girl on WhatsApp?
- What to ask a guy on a first date?
- How to go on a date with a girl?
- Where to go on a date?
But how prepared are you for Valentine’s day?
Well, especially in Nigeria, preparing for Valentine’s Day requires much more than simply looking up numerous Valentine’s-themed phrases and terms. This is because we know that different individuals experience different emotions throughout the day.
For instance, you could be getting ‘served breakfast‘ that day or the day before and end up being alone. This could bring about emotional damage. So, it thus begs the question of emotional preparedness. Are you emotionally prepared?
On second thought, being prepared might be in the context of your Val’s expectation. So, for instance, if you think you are prepared with what you are preparing as a surprise, would your Val be shocked by what you are preparing to shock them with?
Lastly, you might want to ensure that you are prepared for what comes next after Valentine’s. Perhaps, you are currently scrutinizing and perusing through dating sites, shooting shots at any sight of an attractive and willing Val to spend the day with.
But what comes next after all the paparazzi and love hangouts (if that’s what you care for)? Valentine offers the opportunity to offer genuine love and express it in the best way possible. It doesn’t, however, limit expressing love to a particular day. So, maybe you should also consider how to maintain relationships in the future and always express love.
Facts you might not know about Valentine’s day
The fact that love is in the air this Valentine’s Day, does not mean there are no consequences attached. As online dating popularity continues to grow, so do the threats from cybercriminals looking to exploit vulnerable individuals.
In 2022, there were over 366 million online dating service users. By 2027, it is estimated that there will be 440 million people seeking love through online platforms – this is despite past research by Kaspersky, which found that 37% of people surveyed in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa region worry about being scammed on dating apps.
It is common to fall into the wrong hands during this period of love. In fact, the probability of being a victim of internet fraudsters disguised as internet lovers is very high. But that’s why we have also curated possible online dating threats cybercriminals might make use of.
A significant aftereffect of the day is the rise in abortions and birth rates. Research shows that on Valentine’s Day, a holiday with cheerful connotations, there was a 3.6% rise in spontaneous deliveries and a 12.1% rise in cesarean births in the United States.
According to birth rate data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Social Security Administration, TIME writer Chris Wilson did the math. From his quick calculations, Wilson estimated that approximately 10,408 babies would be born in November after being conceived on Valentine’s Day. In Africa, this figure might even be larger, given the procreational tendencies of Africans.
Final thoughts on the significance of February 14
Whatever you choose to do that day, you must note that the very significance of Valentine’s day is genuine love that is communicated in care, charity and giving. It would be important to have a solemn reflection on persons that have played significant roles in your life and express love in giving.
In doing this, you must also realize that putting yourself under undue pressure beyond your capacity is not necessary, which may also include emotions. Enjoy love, show love, and be loved. Happy Valentine’s in advance.
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