The Top 7 Phobias People Have

We are all afraid of something, but a few things are more widely feared than others. Let¡¯s take a look at the world¡¯s top seven phobias, and also some interesting unusual fears people have. 

1. Arachnophobia – fear of spiders

Very few spiders pose a threat to human beings. In fact, a cat or dog is probably more of a threat to a person than your average spider. That doesn¡¯t stop people from being afraid of spiders, however, as arachnophobia is actually the most widely held fear. 48% of women and 12% of men are afraid of these eight-legged creatures.

2. Ophidiophobia – fear of snakes

Following close behind arachnophobia is ophidiophobia, which is a fear of snakes. While some venomous and large snakes do pose a threat to humans, your average garden snake is essentially harmless.

3. Acrophobia – fear of heights

Are you afraid of heights? If so, you¡¯re not alone. Over 10% of people are afraid of heights. Unlike many of our primate relatives, humans didn¡¯t evolve to live in trees, but instead on flat ground. Aerophobia, or the fear of flying, is also common.

4. Agoraphobia – fear of open or public places

Since humans evolved to live on the ground, most of us should love wide open spaces, right? It turns out that many people are actually afraid of crowded or open spaces! This is called agoraphobia, and comes in at number four on the list.

5. Cynophobia – fear of dogs

Dogs may be considered  ¡®man¡¯s best friends¡¯, but nonetheless, many people are afraid of them. Given their sharp teeth, dogs can be a threat to humans, and especially children. Most dogs, however, would rather play fetch than attack a person.

6. Astraphobia- fear of storms

Thunder and lightning can make just about anyone jump. For people who suffer from astraphobia, however, their fear of thunder and lightning goes far deeper than the initialsurprise. For many, it¡¯s an actual phobia.  Maybe they shouldn¡¯t visit tropical countries!

7. Claustrophobia – fear of small spaces

Many people don¡¯t like small spaces, such as elevators. For some, the walls can feel like they are closing in, they feel like they¡¯re trapped and that they can¡¯t breathe. Some people even have nightmares that they are going to be buried alive. 

Three Unique Honorable Mentions

1. Sidonglobophobia – fear of cotton balls

Believe it or not, a good number of people are afraid of cotton balls. Something as simple as a q-tip can cause a panic attack. Of course, many of us would probably be more afraid of having to pronounce ¡°sidonglobophobia¡± than having to touch cotton balls. 

2. Telephonophobia – fear of telephones

It¡¯s fun to try to say ¡°telephonophobia¡± really fast. It is hard to believe in this day and age that people can be afraid of phones as nearly everyone has one. They are lucky that there are email or other forms of communication that don¡¯t involve telephones.

3. Pogonophobia – fear of beards

Beards have made a big comeback in recent years and are now considered very stylish. That¡¯s bad news for people who suffer from pogonophobia, which refers to a fear of beardedmen.

Conclusion: So Many People, So Many Fears

There are literally hundreds of different phobias and many people are often afraid of things that are not very threatening. That might mean spiders, cotton balls, or just about anything else. I guess that is what makes each of us unique!