What is Nomophobia?

Nomophobia is derived from the word “NO-MObile-PHone-PHobia”. It is the fear of not having or being without a mobile phone or cell phone. 60-65% of the world’s population especially in the younger generation, have a feeling of anxiety which is as a result of the absence of a mobile phone. It is a psychological condition in which there is a fear of being detached from a mobile phone.

The mobile phone is without doubts a great source of pleasure but at the same time, a great distracting instrument/tool.

We cannot escape from the impact of the modern 21st Century technology and day by day new advancements. It is a disorder suffered by more than half of the world population.

A higher percentage of the youths today in one way or the other cannot do without operating their mobile phones either at home, in class, at work, events etc. Studies have revealed that there are various psychological factors which are involved when a person overuses a mobile phone.

Some of these psychological factors are- Causes:
• Low self-esteem; This is evidenced by the need to be in continuous contact and communication with others.
• Introvert personality; People who are naturally timid, shy and not outspoken.
• Excessive perfection; This is caused by the thoughts of losing social events and anxiety for not being present.
• Social Anxiety. ie, fear of missing out.

Symptoms:
•Boredom
• Loneliness
• Obsessive thoughts
• Anxiety
• Tachycardia

How Nomophobia is damaging our social life:

The absence of mobile phones will provide an even more benefit to you and people around you:
• During a date- Before the introduction of the internet, dates used to be fun and lively. Always room to talk about new things. But now, even on a date, people tend to look at their mobile phones while talking to the opposite sex which signifies no concentration.

•With family and friends- It’s nice to have a great time with friends and family and have memories instead of staring at your mobile phone every few second.

•At work- Simply put the phone on silent. It’s better to concentrate at work than to be distracted for just 1minute which is not a sign of a pro/professional.

Disadvantages of Nomophobia:
• Distraction (in class, while driving etc)
• Staring at your phone for long damages the eye.
• You’re at risk of loosing touch with your immediate society.
• You become addicted to mobile phone.
• Makes you lazy.
• Makes you unproductive.
• People prefer to “snap” other than help someone in a difficult and helpless situation ie accident victims, drowning, dying, falling, about to commit suicide etc.

Source: www.myhealthetic.com

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