In the current era, it is safe to say that almost the entire world has NOMOPHOBIA. Many of us outright deny when asked ‘if you have any phobias?’ because nomophobia is the new norm.
Nomophobia is the fear of the inability to access a phone or not having a mobile phone. Relatable?
This modern-day phobia is the most prevalent phobia at the moment. The fear of losing connection with social media and the feeling of missing something important when not using a smartphone for a couple of minutes has become a norm.
What is the first thing many of us do after waking up? Check phones!
61% of smartphone users check their phones first thing after waking up in the morning.[i]
In 2008, the term nomophobia was introduced by the United Kingdom (UK) Post Office. A study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of nomophobia, which revealed that up to 58% of the mobile phone male users and 47% of the female users in the UK had anxiety related to their mobile phones. Approximately 53% of the British mobile phone users had a fear of losing their mobile phone, running out of battery, getting low on mobile credit, or having no network coverage. Approximately 9% of the users reported feeling stressed if they switch off their phones. Study results revealed that 77% of the teens feel anxious if they do not have their phone with them.
These numbers are not low!
But is it a recognized psychological condition or just another ‘viral terminology’?
In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), nomophobia hasn’t been recognized per se. Still, it can be considered a part of ‘specific phobias,’ which have been given a separate diagnosis and criteria.
Disease or no disease, it is surely an addiction; in fact, the biggest non-drug addiction of the 21st century.
Various studies have outlined associated psychological predictors, including younger age, low self-esteem, self-efficacy, high extroversion/introversion, impulsiveness, and sense of urgency and seeking.[ii]
Smartphone addiction has adversely affected academic performances. Strong associations have been seen between nomophobia and low-GPA among students who tend to overuse their phones to alleviate the anxiety.[iii]
The most common symptoms of nomophobia include increased heart rate, shortness of breath, anxiety, tremors, sweating, agitation, irritation, etc.
No treatment has been considered a
gold standard in treating nomophobia. However, patients can be managed with
exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. Pharmacological treatment can
be given to manage the associated anxiety. Benzodiazepines and antidepressants help
people suffering from severe anxiety. Combinations of Tranylcypromine and Clonazepam
have also shown positive results in managing nomophobia.[iv]
References:
[i] Walsh SP. Needing to connect: The effect of self and others on young people’s involvement with their mobile phones. Aust J Psychol. 2010;62:194–203
[ii] Psychological predictors of problem mobile phone use.Bianchi A, Phillips JG Cyberpsychol Behav. 2005 Feb; 8(1):39-51
[iii] 12. Lepp A. The relationship between cell phone use, academic performance, anxiety, and satisfaction with life in college students. Comput Hum Behav. 2014;31:343–50.
[iv] Bhattacharya S, Bashar MA, Srivastava A, Singh A. NOMOPHOBIA: NO MObile PHone PhoBIA. J Family Med Prim Care. 2019;8(4):1297-1300. DOI:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_71_19