The most talked-about topics on Facebook in 2014

Social media becomes a bigger part of our lives every year and 2014 was no different. We use social media to learn, spread information and interact with those who we ordinarily never would.

While there are a myriad of social media sites out there, Facebook remains near the top of the list in popularity. Speaking of lists, Facebook put together the most talked-about topics on their site in 2014. From celebrities to sports to elections, last year was full of change, progress and some fun as well.

Let’s take a look back at the year that was on Facebook:

U.S. overall

1. Ebola: In what was one of the biggest medical scares in years, the spread of the Ebola virus in West Africa, and the subsequent sporadic cases in the U.S., was the most talked-about topic.

2. Ice Bucket Challenge: The internet sensation, for a good cause, went viral in 2014. Everyone from athletes to movie stars to college students dumped buckets of ice water over their heads to benefit ALS research.

3. Robin Williams: The death of the great Robin Williams touched many who grew up watching the comedian. From his voices to his stand-up routines to his movies, Williams was a once-in-a-lifetime talent that will surely be missed.

4. Super Bowl: By far the biggest sporting event in the country, the NFL’s Super Bowl between the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos was the most talked about sporting event of 2014 and No. 4 overall. The Seahawks won their first Super Bowl in franchise history.

5. Michael Brown/Ferguson: Ferguson, MO. was the sight for numerous protests following the shooting death of Michael Brown by officer Darren Wilson. Images from the city showed confrontations between cops and protesters as the eyes of the nation gazed upon the St. Louis suburb.

U.S. entertainers

1. Beyoncé

2. Pharrell Williams

3. Nicki Minaj

4. Taylor Swift

5. Jimmy Fallon

U.S. songs

1. “Happy” by Pharrell

2. “All of Me” by John Legend

3. “Stay with Me” by Sam Smith

4. “Turn Down for What” by DJ Snake and Lil Jon

5. “Let It Go” by Idina Menzel

TV shows in U.S.

1. Game of Thrones

2. Orange is the New Black

3. The Walking Dead

4. The Big Bang Theory

5. Downton Abbey

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