About

"New Cases" Google Searches refers to the practice of submitted the search query "new cases" followed by three random digits on the Google search engine, providing results related to the 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak. In late June 2020, the practice was widely circulated within conspiracy theory communities online, with some speculating the results were evidence of a widespread media conspiracy.

Origin

The exact origin of the practice is currently unknown. On June 15th, 2020, Facebook user Mary Elizabeth posted a montage of screenshots showing news articles about coronavirus featuring the number 322 (shown below).

Spread

On June 22nd, 2020, Redditor king_of_retardland submitted an image promoting the game to /r/conspiracy^[1] (shown below, left). Meanwhile, Redditor Netherjd submitted a screenshot of a Facebook post about the search query to /r/CovIdiots^[3] (shown below, right).

That day, Twitter user @GregMannarino^[4] posted a tweet about the query, which garnered more than 1,200 likes and 690 retweets within 24 hours.

Also on June 22nd, Redditor ebarkbark21 submitted a post about the search queries to /r/conspiracytheories.^[3] Meanwhile, TikTok user moeothman uploaded a video discussing the search queries and accusing the media of manipulating the public (shown below).

Search Interest

External References