All data are lagging indicators. All. So you are saying data is useless?
You got it wrong. Those indicators are lagging (and useless to predict future price) because both forum activity and Google searches are driven by price, and not the other way around.
Pray-tell... Why would higher price increase forum activity?
And why does it increase Google searches?
Assuming it does some guesses:
- increased media attention puts it at the forefront of attention for some people causing them to search for to see what other related news they might have missed out on.
- coin holders now have to potential reasons to sell their coins (or buy if they think the up trend continues) which leads them to search or discuss state of affairs and options on the forums.
- people following and believers of bitcoins have increased reason to discuss bitcoins with others. Whether to gloat or give investment advice or whatever.
- probably a ton more I can't of off the top of my head.
What about the converse?
Bitcoin is at the forefront of attention; thus:
- Search volume for Bitcoin drives more buyers into the market, fuelling price increases.
- Speculators react to increased search volume and media coverage, further fuelling price increases.
- High search volume drives media attention to Bitcoin, creating media coverage which continues to fuel price increases.
I find this more likely, as I don't see why a high price alone will drive media attention to Bitcoin.