In a recent study, researchers analyzed the volume of Google searches for various phobias to determine the most common fears among Americans. The results showed that trypophobia, a fear of small holes or bumps clustered together, was the most commonly Googled phobia. This condition, also known as the fear of irregular patterns, affects about one in six people, most of whom are female. Celebrities like Sarah Paulson and Kendall Jenner have admitted to suffering from trypophobia.
The second most common phobia was agoraphobia, a fear of leaving an environment known to be safe, often resulting in people not leaving their homes. This condition affects between 0.9 percent and 1.7 percent of the US population. Actor Zac Efron has openly discussed his fear of going out, which is a symptom of agoraphobia.
Misophonia, a severe aversion to chewing, swallowing, and heavy breathing sounds, was the third most searched-for phobia. People with this phobia often describe these sounds as ‘driving them crazy.’ Misophonia usually appears around age 12 and affects more people than we realize.
Thalassophobia, a fear of deep water such as oceans and lakes, was the fourth most common phobia searched for. People with this phobia are not afraid of the water but more so of what lurks beneath the surface.
Emetophobia, an extreme disgust and aversion to vomiting, was the fifth-most commonly searched phobia. This phobia can lead to isolation, as people suffering from it try to avoid trigger sounds.
Claustrophobia, an irrational fear of enclosed spaces such as elevators, closets, tunnels, and cars, was the sixth most common. Approximately 12.5 percent of the population have this fear, with the majority being females.
Acrophobia, or fear of heights, took seventh place. This phobia can be extremely disorienting, causing someone to struggle to think straight, panic, feel paralyzed, and shake.
Arachnophobia, or fear of spiders, was the eighth most searched phobia, with a search volume of 72,934. Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter franchise, suffers from this phobia.
Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia, an ironic fear of long words, was the ninth most common phobia, with a search volume of 69,323. It often extends to the fear of mispronouncing long words when reading aloud.
Thanatophobia, an intense fear of death or dying, was the tenth spot, although it was the least searched-for phobia. This phobia may present itself as feelings of dread or distress when thinking of one’s death or a loved one’s.
The least searched-for phobia was sociophobia, an anxiety condition marked by fear of social situations. Despite its low search volume, those who suffer from it likely experience debilitating effects, such as fear of flying in a plane or inability to eat certain foods.