Nomophobia, often referred to as cell phone addiction, is a widespread phenomenon. It is often even described as a new widespread disease.
What Nomophobia is – what you should know
What nomophobia is can be explained a little if you know how the word is composed. The term nomophobia is a so-called portmanteau word. The English term nomophobia stands for “no mobile phone phobia”, which means something like “fear of no mobile phone”.
- Nomophobia is an addiction to one's own cell phone. Teenagers and young adults are particularly affected by this illness. The fear mainly consists of not being reachable by friends or business partners.
- The symptoms of nomophobia can vary. Those affected always have to have their cell phone with them and switched on. They constantly check whether there are any new messages. If the battery runs out or simply gets weaker, this can lead to nervousness, sweating, anxiety and depressive moods.
- Nomophobia is a little different for each sufferer. However, this new form of phobia is always characterized by the fear of not having the smartphone to hand and thus “losing contact with the outside world”. In extreme cases, nomophobia leads to other areas of life being significantly neglected.
- According to studies, many young people show mild nomophobia, which is not considered dangerous. The situation only becomes psychologically worrying when withdrawal symptoms appear after just a few minutes.
Nomophobia – what science says
After the phenomenon of nomophobia became more common, science began to take an increasing interest in it. The results of a more comprehensive study were published at the end of 2022. Scientists at the private University of Göttingen investigated the new form of anxiety disorder.
- The study, led by Professor Dr. Yvonne Görlich, found that about half of the participants had moderate symptoms of nomophobia. Around four percent of the subjects even had a severe form of this new form of anxiety disorder.
- According to current knowledge, those affected by nomophobia are primarily younger people, which is probably related to the fact that they are already using their smartphones as children. In addition, women tend to be more affected by nomophobia.
- If you are currently wondering whether you are at risk or may already be suffering from nomophobia, check the following symptoms or ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you take excessive care to always have your smartphone to hand and is it always switched on? Do you panic if you can't find your phone straight away? Does the “absence” of your smartphone even trigger physical reactions such as sweating, restlessness or even heart palpitations? Do you constantly check whether the battery is still charged and do you always have provisions for “emergencies”, for example in the form of a charger or a spare battery?
- If you answer one or more questions with a clear “yes”, you should try to gradually establish smartphone-free times. If you are unable to do this, it is a good idea to consider whether you should seek professional help.
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