It’s evident that social media has become a significant part of our culture. Digital marketing agency Hennessey Digital recently released a report ranking the states most fixated on social media.
The study analyzed monthly search volumes for popular social media sites, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.
The data was divided by state and considered search volumes for every 100,000 people. Here are the top 10 states:
1. Oregon: The Beaver State’s Social Media Fixation
Oregon leads the nation as the most social media-obsessed state. Over a 12-month study period, residents made 140,376 searches per 100,000 people for social media sites.
YouTube emerged as the most popular platform in Oregon, with Facebook and Instagram following closely behind. This indicates a strong preference for video content and social networking among Oregonians.
2. Maine: Where Facebook Dominates the Pine Tree State
Maine secures the second position with an overall search volume of 138,460. Facebook was the most searched platform in the Pine Tree State, while YouTube and Instagram trailed closely behind.
This suggests that Maine residents heavily rely on Facebook for their social media needs, possibly for connecting with local communities and staying updated on news and events.
3. Massachusetts: The Bay State’s YouTube Obsession
Massachusetts residents searched for social media 138,266 times per 100,000 people. YouTube emerged as the top search in the Bay State with 53,691 searches.
This indicates a strong inclination towards video content and online entertainment among Massachusetts residents. The state’s tech-savvy population may contribute to the popularity of YouTube.
4. New York: Social Media’s Empire State
New York recorded 138,163 searches per 100,000 people. The preferred app in the Empire State is YouTube, but Instagram and Facebook also ranked highly.
New York’s diverse population and vibrant culture likely contribute to the widespread use of various social media platforms for communication, entertainment, and information.
5. Washington: Evergreen State’s YouTube Addiction
Washingtonians exhibit a strong affinity for YouTube, with over 53,000 searches for the video platform per 100,000 people.
The overall social media search volume in the Evergreen State reached 136,373. This highlights the popularity of video content and online streaming services among Washington residents, possibly influenced by the state’s tech industry and outdoor lifestyle.
6. Virginia: A Hub for YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook
In Virginia, the overall social media search volume was 135,893. Most people searched for YouTube, but Instagram and Facebook also garnered significant interest.
This suggests a balanced usage of different social media platforms among Virginia residents, catering to various needs such as entertainment, social networking, and visual content sharing.
7. Maryland: YouTube’s Reign in the Old Line State
Maryland residents searched for social media sites 135,873 times per 100,000 people. YouTube emerged as the favorite, with over 54,000 average monthly searches.
This indicates a strong preference for video content among Maryland residents, possibly driven by the platform’s diverse offerings, including entertainment, education, and news.
8. Georgia: Social Media Under the Peach State’s Microscope
There were 134,690 social media site searches per 100,000 residents in Georgia. Lt. Governor Burt Jones recently introduced legislation to protect Georgia children on social media by requiring school boards to adopt protective social media policies.
This reflects growing concerns about the potential negative impacts of social media on young people and the need for regulation and oversight.
9. New Hampshire: Granite State Grapples with Social Media’s Impact
The Granite State sees an average of 133,911 social media searches per 100,000 residents, according to Hennessey Digital research.
In 2023, Governor Chris Sununu signed an executive order to investigate the harmful effects of social media on children.
This underscores the state’s commitment to understanding and addressing the potential risks associated with social media use, especially among vulnerable populations.
10. North Carolina: High Social Media Use, Low Satisfaction
North Carolina sees 133,110 average monthly social media searches per 100,000 people. A recent survey by North Carolina’s High Point University found 83% of state residents use social media, but only 21% think it’s a good thing.
This reveals a paradox: while social media is widely used in North Carolina, a significant majority of residents have reservations about its overall impact.
Alicia Richards