Nomophobia

Nomophobia is a term that describes a psychological condition where individuals have a fear of being without their mobile phone. It is derived from the phrase "no-mobile-phone phobia". This condition is considered a modern age phobia introduced to our lives as a byproduct of the interaction between people and mobile information and communication technologies, especially smartphones.

Definition

Nomophobia is a proposed name for the phobia of being out of cellular phone contact. The term, an abbreviation for "no-mobile-phone phobia", was coined during a 2010 study by the UK Post Office. The study found that nearly 53% of mobile phone users in Britain tend to be anxious when they "lose their mobile phone, run out of battery or credit, or have no network coverage".

Symptoms

Symptoms of nomophobia can be psychological such as anxiety or distress, as well as physical such as trembling, sweating, and nausea. Some individuals may experience panic attacks or shortness of breath when without their phones. The severity of these symptoms can vary widely among individuals.

Causes

The causes of nomophobia are not well understood. It is thought to be related to our dependence on technology and the fear of being disconnected from it. This fear can stem from a variety of factors, including the need to stay connected with others, the use of the phone as a safety net in case of emergencies, and the fear of missing out on social interactions.

Treatment

Treatment for nomophobia typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind people's difficulties, and so change the way they feel. Other treatments may include exposure therapy, where the individual is gradually exposed to being without their phone for increasing periods of time, and mindfulness techniques, which can help manage feelings of anxiety and panic.

See also

• Technostress
• Cyberpsychology
• Internet addiction disorder
• Smartphone addiction