BALTIMORE, MD—The average American checks their phone 205 times daily, with much of that time spent scrolling through social media feeds. As platforms continue to expand their influence on everything from shopping to news consumption, our collective relationship with social media becomes increasingly complex.

But which parts of America are most captivated by the world of likes, shares, and follows? And where are people less interested in their digital social lives?

“You can tell a lot about a region by how its residents interact with social media,” says Monica Cabaniss, Co-owner of Falcon Digital Marketing, a firm specializing in digital advertising strategies. “It’s like taking the pulse of America’s digital heartbeat.”

To identify America’s social media hotspots, Cabaniss and her team analyzed search data from March 2024 to February 2025, looking at searches related to social platforms, usage questions, and addiction concerns. They then calculated a “social media obsession rate” per 1,000 residents using the latest population data.

In Maryland, with a population of 6,309,380, the social media obsession rate reached 711.24 searches per 1,000 residents between March 2024 and February 2025.  Maryland has one of the highest social media interest across all U.S. states, based on search data about platforms, features, and addiction concerns.

The Top 10 Most Social Media Obsessed States

Arizona: America’s Social Media Capital

Arizona takes the crown as America’s most social media-obsessed state with a staggering rate of 1,511.11 searches per 1,000 residents – nearly double the rate of second-place Maine. The Grand Canyon State’s residents search heavily for platform-specific terms, with platform searches accounting for the vast majority of their social media queries.

“Arizona’s high rate isn’t surprising when you consider its demographics,” explains Cabaniss. “The state has a unique mix of tech-savvy retirees, college students, and young professionals. Plus, with the extreme summer heat keeping many indoors for months at a time, scrolling becomes an appealing pastime when outdoor activities aren’t an option.”

Maine: Small Population, Big Online Presence

Maine ranks second with 849.64 searches per 1,000 residents. Despite having one of the oldest average populations in the country, Mainers are surprisingly engaged with social media platforms.

“Maine’s high ranking challenges the stereotype that older populations avoid social media,” notes Cabaniss. “What we’re seeing is that in rural states with harsh winters, social platforms provide vital connection to family and community when physical isolation is common. The data suggests Mainers are using these tools to stay connected across distances.”

Oregon: Tech-Forward and Always Online

Oregon secured third place with 774.68 searches per 1,000 residents. The state’s interest spans across platforms and includes a relatively high number of searches for social media-related terms compared to other top states.

“Oregon’s position reflects its tech-forward culture,” says Cabaniss. “With major tech hubs like Portland and a strong focus on digital innovation throughout the state, Oregonians are naturally early adopters and heavy users of social platforms.”

The Top 10 Least Social Media Obsessed States

Arkansas: America’s Least Social Media Obsessed State

Arkansas residents appear to be the least interested in social media, with only 224.68 searches per 1,000 people – less than half the rate of the next lowest state. The Natural State shows consistently low search volumes across all categories measured.

“Arkansas’s position at the bottom of our list suggests its residents may be finding fulfillment offline,” Cabaniss explains. “With abundant outdoor recreation opportunities and strong local communities, Arkansans might simply have less time or need for digital social connections. There’s something refreshing about that.”

Hawaii: Paradise Over Platforms

Hawaii ranks as the second least social media obsessed state with a rate of 465.37 searches per 1,000 residents. Despite being a tourism hotspot where visitors frequently post their experiences, locals seem less interested in the digital world.

“When you live in paradise, perhaps you’re less inclined to spend time scrolling,” says Cabaniss. “Hawaii’s residents may be prioritizing real-world experiences over digital ones. We also see this pattern in other states with exceptional natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.”

Mississippi: Southern State, Lower Screen Time

Mississippi placed third from the bottom with 503.32 searches per 1,000 residents. The state showed particularly low search volume for social media addiction terms.

“Mississippi’s tight-knit communities and strong face-to-face social traditions might reduce reliance on digital connections,” notes Cabaniss. “States with strong regional identities and established social structures often show less dependence on online platforms for community building.”

Monica Cabaniss, Co-owner of Falcon Digital Marketing, commented:

“This data challenges what we typically think about social media usage across America. The regional patterns show meaningful differences in how states engage with these platforms.

“Geographic factors clearly play a role – in isolated areas like Maine with harsh winters, social media serves as an important connection tool. In contrast, states like Hawaii and Arkansas, with their natural surroundings and strong local communities, show less dependence on digital interaction.

“For marketers, these variations are significant. We need different approaches for high-usage states like Arizona compared to places with lower engagement. These differences aren’t just about demographics – they reflect how communities in different regions balance online and offline experiences in their daily lives.”

Photo via Pixabay

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