Tripophobia, defined as an irrational fear or aversion to clusters of holes or bumps, has emerged as the most searched phobia by Spaniards on the internet, with over 1.2 million annual searches, according to a study by Unobravo. This research indicates that only half of the twenty most commonly searched phobias are clinically diagnosable conditions.
The analysis, which examined Google search volumes for more than sixty phobias, highlights a combination of clinical fears, such as heights and enclosed spaces, alongside lifestyle-related anxieties that have gained prominence due to heightened social media awareness.
Across Spain”s major regions, tripophobia consistently tops the list. In Madrid, this fear accounted for 295,200 searches in the past year, while Catalonia and Andalusia recorded 241,560 and 242,400 searches, respectively. Even in smaller communities like Galicia and the Valencian Community, with 59,160 and 108,240 searches respectively, the fear of clustered holes remains prevalent.
Following tripophobia, trypanophobia, or the fear of needles, saw over 610,000 searches, reflecting growing concerns about medical procedures and healthcare. Agoraphobia, associated with fear of open or crowded spaces, ranked third with nearly 400,000 searches. Additionally, amaxophobia, the fear of driving, has surged by 650 percent, indicating increased anxiety around road safety and independence.
Other fears rounding out the top ten include phasmophobia (fear of ghosts) with 185,760 searches, misophonia (irritation from specific sounds) at 135,840, acrophobia (fear of heights) with 124,920, emetophobia (fear of vomiting) at 112,200, nyctophobia (fear of darkness) with 69,480, and claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces) at 63,960.
The data also reflects regional differences, showing that phasmophobia is more prevalent in areas with strong folkloric traditions, while larger urban centers exhibit fears related to daily overstimulation, such as misophonia and agoraphobia.
According to Francisco Rufete, a psychologist and clinical manager at Unobravo, “The most commonly searched phobias among Spaniards reflect a balance between traditional fears and modern anxieties. While longstanding fears like those of spiders, heights, or enclosed spaces remain common, newer anxieties such as misophonia or nomophobia are rapidly increasing, fueled by online discussions and social media trends.”
Rufete pointed out that many of these emerging fears do not have official clinical recognition, posing a challenge as individuals may mistakenly self-diagnose phobias when they might be experiencing discomfort or anxiety that could be addressed through other means. “Regardless of clinical recognition, these phobias affect daily life. Identifying them without judgment is the first step. Resources such as relaxation techniques, gradual exposure, or open communication with close individuals can be beneficial. In more severe cases, seeking professional help can provide access to effective management strategies,” he emphasized.
