The number of words in the average US search query is on the rise, with longer search queries – averaging five or more words in length – increasing 10% overall in January 2009 vs. January 2008, according to data from Hitwise (via MarketingCharts).
The most notable change was in search queries that were eight or more words. These were up 22%. Over the same time period, shorter search queries, averaging 1 to 4 words in length, have decreased 2%, Hitwise said.
Though Hitwise does not offer any explanation for the increasing length …

Chris Brown, the pop singer recently accused of abusing singer Rihanna, was the most searched-for personality by US Internet users for the week ending February 14, 2009. Unsurprisingly, Rihanna followed Chris Brown as the second most searched-for personality. Joaquin Phoenix’s bizarre appearance on David Letterman earned the #5 spot among the Top 20 as searchers looked online for video clips of the interview.
While US Internet users are clearly fascinated by celebrities and scandal, they also remain interested in local news and history. Nadya Suleman, the woman who gave birth to …