Public speaking was thought to be the #1 fear. Apparently that is no longer the case. I think that's because social media and reality shows have created this "celebrity-ism" that many are seeking now. People are less afraid to put themselves out there.

Public speaking is still a big fear for people, just not #1. I'm not a fan of it either (I know, I work in radio). I also do not like snakes, needles and confined spaces. But I don't fear them to the point where they cripple me like some people. Here are the top ten fears in America according to a new survey.

1.  Snakes,  51% 

Historic Trust Releases List Of Most Endangered US Places
Getty Images
loading...

2.  Heights, 38%.

business leap
loading...

3.  The Dentist, 23%.

tommaso79 via Getty Images
tommaso79 via Getty Images
loading...

4.  Confined spaces, a.k.a. claustrophobia, 21%.

Shocked woman with claustrophobia in the moving elevator
andriano_cz via Getty Images
loading...

5.  Needles, 21%.

needle-go1
loading...
Listen_LOON
loading...

 

6.  Clowns, 18%.

Thinkstock
Thinkstock
loading...

7.  Public speaking, 17%.

Speaker at Business Conference and Presentation. Audience the conference hall
YurolaitsAlbert via Getty Images
loading...

8.  The dark, 15%.

Door to dark room with bright light. Background Illustration.
sNorrisPhoto via Getty Images
loading...

9.  Flying, 14%.

Airplane-flying
loading...

10.  Birds, 5%.  

Birds fly from the tree like leaves by the wind
MriyaWildlife via Getty Images
loading...

More From 103.7 The Loon