New Survey: This Is the No. 1 Most Gullible State in America
Updated: Nov. 21, 2023
Do you believe everything you read? If you live in this state, you might!
Sure, we all like to think we’re critical thinkers … but are we, really? Do you always try to find the source of a story before accepting it as fact, or do you tend to fall for urban legends, hoaxes and memes that kinda, sorta sound true? We’re not saying you’re gullible, but, well, maybe we are! Don’t feel too bad, though: You’ve got some company. A new survey found that some myths are so pervasive that they’re believed by a majority of Americans—and that the residents of some states believe a whole lot more of these myths than others.
See if you can guess which state was voted the No. 1 most gullible … and if you’ve fallen for any of these widely believed “facts.”
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How did the survey determine the most gullible state?
The survey, which was conducted by MRO Electric and Supply Company, asked 2,195 Americans across the United States a series of commonly accepted myths, based on a list compiled by Buzzfeed. Survey participants answered true or false to the different myths, and then MRO evenly weighted the answers to give each state a score out of 100. The closer a state was to zero, the least gullible they were deemed, while scores closer to 100 were considered the most gullible. (Thankfully, no state earned a perfect 100!)
One important note: This survey didn’t include all 50 states. There weren’t enough participants in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming, so this data is based on just 44 states.
What is the most gullible state in America?
The winner of this dubious distinction is … Mississippi. This Southern state earned a gullibility score of 69.2 out of 100. As the survey notes, a whopping 53% of respondents in the Magnolia State strongly believe that a mother bird will abandon her baby if a human touches it. And in case you’re wondering if that’s true, the answer is a resounding no. But don’t worry, Mississippi: Arkansas is right behind you, with a score of 68.9. One in four people in Arkansas believe it takes a person seven years to digest swallowed gum.
Who else rounded out the top five? Here’s the list of the five most gullible states in America, with their respective scores:
- Mississippi (69.2)
- Arkansas (68.9)
- North Carolina (68.7)
- Nevada (66.4)
- Pennsylvania (64.8)
Which common myths do most Americans believe?
Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, Nah, there’s no way I’m also that gullible. Well, when you look at the myths that survey respondents had to consider, you might start second-guessing yourself. These are “facts” you’ve likely heard time and again, and we’re betting that you believe at least one of them. Check out the myths that most survey respondents—in all states—fell for:
- One of the best methods for drying a wet phone is putting it in rice (78%)
- Sugar makes children hyper (72%)
- Daylight Saving Time was invented to support farmers (72%)
- Urine helps to relieve pain after being stung by a jellyfish (55%)
- Breakfast is the most important meal of the day (54%)
Be honest: How many of these did you believe until just now? It’s OK—I believed quite a few of these myself until I wrote this story! In fact, I should probably go fish my phone out of that bowl of rice I just placed it in, but first, I’ll answer one more question that you’re probably wondering about.
What is the least gullible state in America?
If you didn’t just find out that you live in most gullible state, you’re probably hoping (and praying) that you live in the least gullible and most intelligent one. Well, if you live in Maine, you do! It was rated “the most skeptical state,” with a score of 28.5, though it was closely followed by Iowa at 28.7 and Idaho at 29.9.
Sure, it’s possible that one of the states that didn’t participate could also be the least gullible. Maybe ask a resident there if they believe every person unknowingly swallows multiple spiders in their sleep every year and find out for yourself.
Source:
- MRO Electric and Supply Company: “The Most Widely Believed Myths by Americans”
