Nomophobia: The Unseen Danger of Digital Attachment

We live in a technologically- driven world where many individuals are constantly attached to their cellphones, whether they're checking messages, playing games, or scrolling through social media feeds. However, for some people, the mere idea of being without their smartphones is terrifying. This phenomenon has been coined "nomophobia," which represents our growing dependence on cell phones.  

Origin

Nomophobia, an increasingly common phenomenon, was initially discovered in a 2008 survey undertaken by the UK Post Office, which employed YouGov, a UK-based research organisation, to measure consumers' concerns about using mobile phones. According to Mauli Rastogi, a clinical psychologist consultant at Sukoon Health, the word refers to a psychological condition in which people are afraid of losing access to their mobile phones. As per YouGov Real Time poll conducted in 2019, 44% of British respondents expressed anxiety over not being able to use their phone to "keep in touch" with their social circle. 

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Causes

Two of the most well-known factors contributing to cell phone addiction are poor self-esteem and difficulty sustaining social connections. The most prevalent reason of nomophobia is personal instability since so many young people get utterly dependent on other people and turn to their mobile phones as a means of staying in touch with their social circles. 

Adam Alter, a psychologist at New York University, has spent many years researching nomophobia in teenagers. In a 2017 study, the author of Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked asked a group of young people if they would rather break a bone in their hand or have their cell phone fall and break into a million pieces. The author discovered that older people prioritised their health over supplantable comfort.

On the other hand, 40 to 50 percent of the young people indicated they would rather damage their bones than their cell phone. The doctor additionally pointed out that these young people expressed concerns about whether they could still use their phones and scroll with the fractured bone, as well as which hand would be impacted by the damage.

Symptoms 

It can be characterised  by tachycardia, anxiety, shaking, sweating, agitation, and changes in respiration and heart rate. Although cell phones are intended to keep us connected with people, online connections can become problematic. Physical side effects include headaches, nausea, eye strain from extended computer use, and wrist and neck pain from bad posture.

Preventions

Cognitive behavioral intervention: Feelings of anxiety and nausea may arise from the notion, "I'll never be able to talk to my friends again if I lose my phone." However, CBT may teach you how to refute this idea logically.

Digital cleanse: Similar to dealing with any addiction, the easiest and most sensible place to start is by shutting off your phone when you go to bed, when you work, and when you spend time with loved ones. According to Rastogi, cutting back on the time, energy, and attention waste brought on by excessive gadget use would make this digital detox simple to accomplish.

Medication: Drugs Beta blockers can assist in lowering the bodily manifestations of phobia, such as lightheadedness, dyspnea, or fast pulse. Typically, you take them before going into a scenario that makes you feel afraid. They may be useful, for instance, if you had to go to a far-off place without phone coverage.

Reality Approach:The "Reality Approach," sometimes referred to as reality therapy, is a relatively new and exciting treatment modality. In this therapy, the client is encouraged to focus on things like playing, painting, gardening, and other hobbies instead of using their phone. An individual can apply self-care strategies on their own.