'I’m here to see my gynaecologist': Barbie movie increases online searches for gynaecology

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Photo by ALEXANDRE DINAUT on Unsplash
Photo by ALEXANDRE DINAUT on Unsplash

The final scene of the Barbie movie, which (spoiler alert) has Barbie tell a receptionist, “I’m here to see my gynaecologist,” may have led to an increase in people searching online for gynaecology, according to US research. The study found that in the week following the movie's release, search traffic for terms referring to gynaecologists increased 51% and searches for the definition of a gynaecologist soared a whopping 154%. While there weren't more searches for gynaecologist appointments, the researchers say it is still unclear whether a 'Barbie effect' in awareness would translate to improved measurable health outcomes.

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JAMA Network Open
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Organisation/s: Harvard Medical School, USA
Funder: This study was supported by career development grant K08HS029197 from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (DrWorsham).
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