In the age of information, knowledge is accessible at a moments notice, and curiosity can be satiated 24/7. The key to most of that knowledge is Google, and the search engine is so good at answering questions that it can even guess what you’re about to say based on hoards of previous searches.
That’s why Google’s “autocomplete” can lead to some pretty interesting sociological revelations. For example, here’s a map put together by Mental Floss that shows what people are commonly asking about each state in the U.S. of A.
A bunch of these make a lot of sence. “Why does Texas want to secede?” for example. Fair question. “Why does Kansas have so many tornadoes?” Also good.
Some of them are unexpectedly brutal, though. “Why does Rhode Island exist?” Damn. “Why does Florida suck?” Yikes. “Why does Nebraska smell?” Probably all the… corn? I don’t know anything about Nebraska.
Some of them are also quite revealing. “Why does Nevada allow prostitution?” Good question! I’m sure you’re asking for a book report, right? “Why does Idaho grow potatoes?” Someone has to! “Why does Pennsylvania vote democrat?” I hope people were asking that before 2016…
All in all it’s a fascinating look at what people wonder when they think about your state. Maybe they’re curious about its politics or sports teams, and sometimes they just want to know why the hell it’s there.