Why did the Barbie movie make the internet start searching for gynaecologists?

It’s not every day that a beloved doll-turned-movie star leaves an audience with questions that have them Googling medical specialists. But that’s exactly what happened after the Barbie movie hit theatres. Let’s dive into the curious case of why Barbie, of all things, sent the internet into a frenzy of gynaecologist searches. But be warned, there might be some mild spoilers ahead.

It all started with a cheeky line delivered right at the end of the Barbie movie. The film, which had already packed a punch with its social commentary and humour, closed on a note that caught everyone off guard. As Barbie herself stepped into a real-world scenario, the movie’s creators dropped a final joke: Barbie, with her classic pink flair and forever-young appearance, was off to see a gynaecologist.

Cue the laughter, a few raised eyebrows, and then — wait, what? That was it. No more context, just the credits rolling and audiences left in a state of amused confusion.

Spike in gynaecology-related searches

That single line sparked a curious chain reaction. Within days of the movie’s release, Google saw a noticeable spike in searches for the term "gynaecologist." According to data from Google Trends, searches for "gynaecologist" and related queries such as "what does a gynaecologist do?" spiked by over 500% globally in the week following the film’s release.

This surge was particularly notable in regions where the Barbie movie saw the most viewership, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In the United States, the spike in searches was particularly dramatic, with a 400% increase in searches for "first time gynaecologist visit." In the United Kingdom and Australia, similar spikes were recorded. Notably, the search for "first time gynaecologist visit" saw a significant increase, suggesting that the film may have prompted people to consider aspects of their health they had previously overlooked.
Interestingly, the spike in searches wasn’t just limited to general terms. Specific queries like "importance of regular gynaecologist visits" and "why women should see a gynaecologist" also saw significant increases. The movie had, in its quirky and comedic way, made the topic of women’s health more accessible and less taboo.

Social and actual realities

For many, the joke was a nudge toward an overlooked truth: Barbie, despite being an icon for decades, never had the anatomy to warrant a trip to a gynaecologist. This paradox was both hilarious and thought-provoking, prompting viewers to question their understanding of the doll’s physicality and, by extension, what it means to grow up with certain expectations about bodies and adulthood.

Despite the noticeable spike in online searches for gynaecology-related information however, translating this curiosity into real-life healthcare actions appears more nuanced. According to insights from a study that examined these trends, while the movie successfully sparked interest and raised awareness about gynaecological health, there isn't conclusive evidence that this surge in searches led to an increase in actual appointments or visits to gynaecologists.

The study’s authors noted that their research didn't track whether people who Googled these terms ultimately followed up with healthcare providers. Additionally, trends in other related search terms suggest that while many viewers were interested in learning more, this didn't necessarily translate into scheduling appointments or seeking medical consultations. This highlights a common phenomenon where increased awareness or interest, especially prompted by media, doesn't always result in immediate real-world actions.
However, the real-life healthcare effect of the Barbie movie might still be unfolding. Even if immediate actions weren't taken, the film may have planted a seed of awareness that could influence future decisions. Sometimes, it takes repeated exposure to a health-related topic before individuals take concrete steps, and Barbie's joke might be just one of many influences that eventually lead people to prioritise their gynaecological health.

But it is certainly irrefutable that the Barbie movie did more than entertain — it got people thinking, talking, and, yes, Googling. It’s not every day that a cultural icon sparks a public health discussion, but leave it to Barbie to do just that, all with a smile and a wink.

The findings of this research have been published in JAMA Network Open and can be accessed here.