Using Google Trends to Examine Trends in the Demand for Prostitution in Israel
Aluma Levi-Zohar, MA & Amir Falk, PhD | September 18 | 11:15 am-12:15 pm EDT
Topic: International, Research | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
According to the Prohibition of Prostitution Consumption Law, approved by the Israeli parliament in late 2018, any person who consumes prostitution commits an offense subject to a fine. The objective of this research study was to examine trends in the demand for prostitution in Israel following the law’s enactment, using data on Google searches using prostitution-related terms. Google Trends provides data on the relative volume of Google searches. This platform was chosen due to the difficulty of obtaining direct information on prostitution consumption and the widespread use of the internet for advertising prostitution. Search trends were analyzed for the Hebrew equivalents of the terms “prostitutes,” “escorts,” and “discreet apartments,” terms selected following consultations with experts, women in prostitution, and consumers of prostitution. Data was gathered for each month from January 2013 to April 2024. The study compared search volumes during key periods before and after the law's enactment and examined correlations between monthly search volumes and the number of fines imposed. Search volumes sharply declined following the law’s approval. Moreover, fluctuations in search volumes were linked to variations in the number of fines imposed. From mid-2022 onward, an upward trend in search volumes emerged concurrently with a decline in fines, although volumes remained below pre-law levels. These results suggest that the law reduced the demand for prostitution, despite evidence that its effect may be diminishing over time. To conclude, this study suggests that banning prostitution consumption may be effective in reducing demand, but only if it is followed by extensive enforcement.
Presentation Objectives:
• Present background information on the context and significance of the study topic
• Present background information on Google trends and its utilization in social science research
• Provide an overview of the research study, including main questions, methodology, and findings
• Discuss the conclusions of the study and avenues for future research