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What phobias do you

have?

by Maria Gracia Published on September 8, 2025 Discover the most common phobias shared by GON readers, from heights and public speaking to spiders, snakes, and even unusual fears like moths and escalators. See what others fear most and find reassurance that you’re not alone. Join our newsletter to be notified when new content is added to our website. The Most Common Phobias, According to GON Readers When we asked GON readers about their phobias, the answers poured in and they revealed just how many fears we all share. From everyday worries to very specific anxieties, the results painted a vivid picture of what makes people squirm, sweat, or panic. Some of the most mentioned phobias included heights, public speaking, and spiders…all fears that can stop someone in their tracks. Other readers admitted to being unnerved by social situations, germs, bridges, flying insects, snakes, and even giving gifts. These may not all be “classic” phobias, but they’re very real to those who live with them. What struck me most was how wide- ranging these fears were. While some are rooted in survival instincts (like avoiding dangerous animals or deep water), others connect more to modern life…like worrying about embarrassment, technology threats such as ransomware, or the stress of not measuring up in social settings. The variety of answers is a good reminder: phobias come in all shapes and sizes. For some, they’re mild annoyances. For others, they can feel overwhelming. And while many readers laughed at their own fears (sharks thanks to JAWS, or fluttering moths that seem harmless but feel terrifying), there was also a shared sense of honesty and relief in saying, “This scares me.” Recognizing our fears is the first step to managing them. And as our poll showed, you’re never alone. Whatever your phobia may be, chances are someone else is feeling the exact same way. Here are all the results in order, followed by some favorite reader comments: 20% Other 19% Heights – My legs go wobbly just thinking about it 19% Public speaking – I’d rather wrestle a bear 15% Spiders – Nope, nope, NOPE 10% Social situations – Is it OK if I RSVP ‘no’ forever? 5% Clutter – Messy rooms = instant panic 5% Tight spaces – Elevators make me want to escape through the ceiling 4% Germs – I have hand sanitizer in every bag I own 3% None, I’m fearless (or just in denial) 0% Ghosts – Yes, I still sleep with one foot under the blanket Personal GON reader comments: • Flying insects terrify me. • Falling. Related to heights, but different: I'm okay with the height as long as I'm safe from falling. • Snakes. Especially when I am out gardening. And one slithers past!!! • Bridges • Spiders! Definitely spiders! Oh, and snakes! • Coming down from heights. I can go up, but fear of falling while coming back down nearly paralyzes me. • Stress and worrying about the unknown • Needles (Shots) • Dead fish • ALL critters/bugs…EXCEPT lady bugs and flies. I can easily swat flies and lady bugs can stay ( and even land /walk on me). I scream for my husband to deal with everything else!! • I don't know if it's a phobia, but I do not like to fly. I do it because I want to see my loved ones, but if I could drive I would. • Cockroaches • Dogs • Embarrassment • Snakes!!!! I'm fine if they are in a tank. Just as long as they don't slither by me! • Telephone phobia • Fear of dying • Here in Oregon, we have one officially called Giant House Spider (I'm shuddering even as I type that!.) No other explanation needed!! • Moths - totally irrational as all they do is flutter! Butterflies anywhere near me have the same effect too! • Ransomware • I checked “spiders,” but should also include snakes and worms when gardening. • I do not like wind/storms. • Gift giving; I'm afraid my gift will be ridiculed. • Fear of being in a plane that has a problem and goes down • Deep water. Snorkeling • Fear of all bugs and fear of water • Being on escalators or planes • Deathly afraid of open staircases, ladders over 4 feet, and I'll burn before I go on a fire escape! • Centipedes • Falling and serious injury; leaving things undone so family has to deal with them • Roaches and Snakes • Some of these things I don't like, but I don't think they go far enough to be a phobia. • Roller coasters • Flying insects that flutter at you: box elder bugs, moths • Claustrophobia in small spaces when it's warm, but not elevators. • JAWS (sharks)! Back to Web Poll Results Index