The saddest map in America

Dorothy Gambrell analyzed “missed connections” ads placed in Craigslist all over the country to see where people were missing possible romantic connections the most frequently. What her map reveals is an interesting look at how people interact differently in different parts of the country, and what parts of our larger society seem to provide the most commonplace intersections with other people. The map speaks to the romantic cultures of each state, maybe, but more importantly, it tells us where people spend their time, and where they most expect to create relationships with each other. In California, it’s at the fitness center. In Nevada, it’s the Casino. In New Jersey, it’s on the train. Throughout much of the deep South, it’s Walmart.