Google Trends search volumes indicate habituation against COVID-19 in Japan

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To clarify the association between the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic curve and Google Trends search volumes for the disease during the three major epidemic waves in Japan. Method: Correlation between the number of cases of coronavirus disease 2019 in Japan and the internet search volume for “corona” in the period 12th January 2020 to 19th February 2021 was evaluated using the open database provided by the Japan Broadcasting Corporation and Google Trends index data. Results: The peak search volume for “corona” was highest during the first wave and lowest during the third wave. In contrast, the peak number of new cases per week was lowest during the first wave and highest during the third wave. The search volume and number of new cases per week showed strong correlations in each wave;however, the search volume in each wave decreased remarkably from the first to the third wave. Conclusion: This study identified evidence of so-called “pandemic fatigue”, a habituation reaction against COVID-19, in Japan. Prolonged and repeated waves of the epidemic have made people less sensitive for preventing spread of coronavirus disease 2019. Sustained, clear communication will be required to elicit the cooperation of the population in controlling the pandemic. © 2022 Hirosaki University School of Medicine. All rights reserved.