One of the most effective current ways to generate sexy Web traffic numbers is to insert actor Ryan Gosling into the mix. Whether any other detail in the report is confirmed is besides the point.

Over the weekend, UK’s The Daily Mail floated the idea that he was breaking up with girlfriend Eva Mendes (since denied via US Weekly). Meanwhile, across the English channel, French artist Pascal Witasek mocked up a poster of what the Disney biopic Walt might look like if the actor was cast in the lead role.

But the wildest Gosling “news” trail of the past few days was sparked Monday in Auckland, New Zealand. After a clothing store tweeted that the actor had paid a visit, citizens went wild, locally trending the hashtag #NZGoslingHunt on Twitter and generating MSM media coverage with their efforts.

Never mind that Gosling’s presence Down Under has yet to be properly verified. Here at FishbowlLA, we’ve decided to get fully on board this Google Analytics train. To wit, for tomorrow’s slate, how does this headline sound – “People Magazine Emails Reveal Ryan Gosling’s Simmering, Sexy Snub Anger”?

[Photo: Joe Seer/Shutterstock.com]

Previously on FishbowlLA:
Time for Another Fatuous Eva Mendes Pick-Up