America’s top phobias: these are the most Googled phobias in every state

As Halloween approaches, it’s not just ghosts, goblins, and ghouls that send shivers down our spines

Fear of heights has ranked as the most Googled phobia overall, indicating that many Americans share this common anxiety. The fear of people ranks high in several states, reflecting a growing concern about social dynamics and public engagement in our increasingly connected yet isolating world. The fear of being alone comes on top in two states, underscoring the importance of creating healthy relationships.

As Halloween approaches, it’s not just ghosts, goblins, and ghouls that send shivers down our spines. A recent study uncovers something even more unsettling – what Americans truly fear the most, and it’s not just spooky seasonal decorations.

The study, conducted by Manhattan Mental Health Counseling, gives us a glimpse into the fears that creep into the minds of Americans. With Halloween fast approaching, there’s no better time to dive into these anxieties, some of which are surprisingly relatable, while others might leave you scratching your head in curiosity.

 The research team analyzed 41 common phobias, focusing on specific search terms related to each one. For example, when it comes to fear of heights, they examined keywords like “afraid of heights,” “scared of heights,” and “acrophobia treatment.”

Topping the charts this year is acrophobia, the fear of heights, making it the most Googled phobia in nine states, including California, Illinois and New York. It seems that even in the land of sky-high ambitions, a fear of heights is one thing many can’t quite shake. Whether it’s an upcoming flight, a wobbly ladder or a towering skyscraper, many people are simply keeping their feet firmly on the ground.

In second place is anthropophobia, the fear of people, a particularly fascinating entry in our ever-connected world. Seven states, including Arizona and Washington, show a noticeable concern over socializing and public interaction. Given the rise of virtual communication, it’s no wonder that some of us might find face-to-face interaction a bit too much to handle.

Claustrophobia – the fear of confined spaces – grips six states, with Massachusetts and Kansas leading the charge. From cramped elevators to crowded subway cars, it’s a fear that resonates deeply with those who value their personal space. If you’re not a fan of tight quarters, you might want to avoid any Halloween attractions that feature dark, narrow passageways.

Nyctophobia, or the fear of the dark, ranks as the top fear in five states, including Alaska and Kentucky. Perhaps it’s the long winter nights or those eerie Halloween shadows that stir up this primal fear, but the thought of what could be lurking in the darkness clearly haunts more than a few Americans.

 And let’s not forget about hemophobia, the fear of blood, which also ranks the top fear in five states, including Florida and Oklahoma. Whether it’s the sight of a cut finger or a gory Halloween costume, blood is enough to make many people feel faint.

 Atychiphobia, the fear of failure and trypophobia, the fear of holes, each rank as the most searched in four states. The fear of failure speaks to the pressure many feel to succeed, especially in competitive environments, while trypophobia’s odd and unsettling nature can make people squirm at the sight of clustered holes – think honeycombs or lotus seed pods.

 In Maine and Nevada, autophobia, the fear of being alone, tops the list. With isolation being a growing concern in our fast-paced society, it’s a reminder of how important companionship and connection are to our mental health.

“This study offers not just a peek into our deepest fears but also highlights how diverse our anxieties are across the nation,” said Natalie Buchwald, a spokesperson from Manhattan Mental Health Counseling. “So whether you’re afraid of heights, the dark or even other people, Halloween is the perfect time to face those fears – or perhaps, to Google them once more.”

List of states and their top fear:

Image by kjpargeter on Freepik.

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