A new study has revealed the most searched-for phobias in the US, with trypophobia topping the list.
The research, conducted by experts at QR Code Generator, analyzed the search volume of key terms related to specific phobias over the past 12 months. These search terms included phrases such as ‘how to overcome [phobia]’ and ‘[phobia] definition.’ The study calculated the average search volume for each phobia, which then determined the final ranking.
The study names trypophobia as the most searched-for phobia in the US, topping the list with an average monthly search volume of 536,828. Trypophobia is an aversion to small holes clustered together in a pattern. Potential triggers of the phobia include honeycombs, sunflowers, and fruit containing small seeds, such as strawberries and kiwis. Various celebrities have openly discussed suffering from trypophobia, including Kendall Jenner and Sarah Paulson.
Agoraphobia is second on the list, with an average monthly search volume of 363,826 across the US. This phobia is characterized by an irrational fear of being in crowded spaces. Those with agoraphobia will tend to avoid leaving home and will avoid busy situations, such as shopping centers or public transport.
Misophonia is crowned as the third most searched-for phobia, receiving an average monthly search volume of 241,833. The phobia is defined as a strong aversion to sounds such as chewing, drinking, and heavy breathing.
Thalassophobia is fourth on the ranking, with an average monthly search volume of 157,577. This phobia is defined as an aversion to deep bodies of water, such as lakes and the ocean.
The top 10 most-searched-for phobias:
|
Rank |
Phobia |
Average Monthly Search Volume |
|
1 |
Trypophobia |
536,828 |
|
2 |
Agoraphobia |
363,826 |
|
3 |
Misophonia |
241,833 |
|
4 |
Thalassophobia |
157,577 |
|
5 |
Emetophobia |
143,228 |
|
6 |
Claustrophobia |
104,861 |
|
7 |
Acrophobia |
75,046 |
|
8 |
Arachnophobia |
72,934 |
|
9 |
Hippopotomonstrosesquippedalio |
69,323 |
|
10 |
Thanatophobia |
42,071 |
Emetophobia is named as the fifth most searched-for phobia, with an average monthly search volume of 143,228. Emetophobia is defined as an irrational fear of vomit and throwing up. Notable celebrities who suffer from the phobia include Bella Ramsey, Frankie Bridge, and Zoe Sugg.
Claustrophobia is in sixth place in the ranking, with an average monthly search volume of 104,861. An irrational fear of enclosed spaces characterizes this phobia. Various celebrities, including Ryan Reynolds and Uma Thurman, have spoken out about suffering from claustrophobia.
Acrophobia is in seventh place, with an average monthly search volume of 75,046. This phobia is defined as an intense fear of heights. Potential triggers of the phobia include being on a rollercoaster, walking up a ladder, and being on a balcony of a tall building.
Arachnophobia is crowned as the eighth most searched-for phobia, receiving an average monthly search volume of 72,934. This common phobia is characterised by an intense fear of spiders. Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter movies, is a notable celebrity who suffers from the phobia, just like his character.
Hippopotomonstrosesquippedalio
Lastly, Thanatophobia is named as the tenth most searched-for phobia in the ranking, receiving an average monthly search volume of 42,071. This phobia is characterised by an intense fear of death or dying. Symptoms of the phobia include suffering from a panic attack when thinking about death or losing a loved one.
Interestingly, the study reveals that sociophobia is the least searched-for phobia in the ranking. Sociophobia, an intense fear of social situations, has the lowest average monthly search volume of 2,529.
Other low-ranking phobias include nosocomephobia (the fear of hospitals) and herpetophobia (the fear of reptiles), which received average monthly search volumes of 2,581 and 2,591, respectively.
Marc Porcar, the CEO of QR Code Generator, commented on the study:
“This study highlights that some phobias receive more attention than others, and it’s fascinating to see which ones have the highest search volumes online.
“Trypophobia being named as the most searched-for phobia can be linked to the number of celebrities who have openly discussed suffering from this fear, such as Kendall Jenner, who previously discussed her experiences of trypophobia via a viral blog post.
“It’s important to recognize that phobias can often have life-altering impacts and can significantly affect what a person can and can’t do in everyday life. It’s encouraging to see people turning to the internet to seek support and online resources about overcoming phobias”.