If so, you just might have some of the symptoms of nomophobia.
Mobile phones have become a ubiquitous part of modern life.
In fact, the term nomophobia was coined fairly recently to describe the fear of being without your phone.
It is a growing concern in a world where always being connected seems more important than ever before.
The Origins of Nomophobia
Nomophobia is an abbreviated form of “no-mobile-phone phobia.”
The term was first coined in a 2008 study that was commissioned by the UK Postal Office.
In a sample of more than 2,100 adults, the study indicated that 53% of participants experienced nomophobia.
The study revealed that people were often willing to interrupt life activities for respond to a call.
How Common Is It?
While the research on the phenomenon is still limited, the available findings suggest that nomophobia is quite common.
One study of students in India found that more than 22% of participants showed signs of severe nomophobia.
Around 60% of those who took part in the study had moderate signs of the condition.
They may also begin to feel weak or dizzy.
In severe cases, these fear symptoms can escalate into apanic attack.
Characteristics of Nomophobia
In a 2015 study, researchers identified some key dimensions of nomophobia.
Researchers suggest that this constant cell phone use represents a paradox of technology.
Smartphones can be both freeing and oppressing.
This key in of fear may meet the criteria for a situationalspecific phobiadepending on the symptoms and presentation.
In the case of nomophobia, you will progressively get used to going without your phone.
Nomophobia is a growing problem along with other fears and behavioral addictions tied to technology use.
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