NEW YORK — Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, has revealed the most-viewed articles of 2023, giving us an insight into the topics that caught the world’s attention this year. With over 84 billion views, English Wikipedia proved once again to be a go-to source of information for millions of people worldwide.
Topping the list was an article about ChatGPT, an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI. Since its launch just over a year ago, ChatGPT has gained immense popularity, finding its way into various sectors including education, healthcare, law, and even religious sermons. The Wikipedia page for ChatGPT delves into the technology’s potential applications and the ongoing debates surrounding AI’s promises and potential risks.
The second most-read article on Wikipedia in 2023 was the annual list of deaths, a topic that consistently attracts high traffic year after year. This year, individual entries for notable figures who passed away, such as Matthew Perry and Lisa Marie Presley, also garnered significant interest from readers.
Cricket enthusiasts around the world pushed the highly anticipated 2023 Cricket World Cup to third place on the list. It was joined by three other cricket-related entries in Wikipedia’s top 25 articles for the year, including the Indian Premier League at number four. This marks the first time cricket content has made the list since the Wikimedia Foundation began tracking views in 2015.
Other notable entries grabbing readers’ attention in 2023 included Barbenheimer and Taylor Swift. The top 25 articles of the year on English Wikipedia provided readers with a diverse range of topics to explore.
According to data from the Wikimedia Foundation, the United States and the United Kingdom were the top two countries accessing English Wikipedia in 2023, with 33.2 billion and 9 billion views, respectively. India followed closely with 8.48 billion views, while Canada and Australia rounded out the top five with 3.95 billion and 2.56 billion views, respectively.
The full-year numbers for Wikipedia’s most-viewed articles will be updated by the nonprofit on January 3, 2024. Until then, we can reflect on the topics that captivated the world in 2023 and anticipate what new stories will emerge in the coming year.
As the year comes to a close, it’s fascinating to look back at the articles that captured our attention. From the rise of AI chatbots to the excitement of international sports events, Wikipedia continues to provide a platform for knowledge-sharing and exploration.
