The fear of being without a smartphone is called Nomophobia (No-Mobile-phone Phobia)
Nomophobia, also known as the new disease of the 21st century, refers to the anxious and obsessive symptoms that people experience when they are without their mobile phone, which have been recognized by psychologists. This irrational and excessive fear of being without a smartphone has been named “Nomophobia” (No–Mobile-phone Phobia).
Due to technological advances, social networks, and the presence of the Internet on mobile phones, we spend many hours of the day connected to our smartphones. Although their use can be very useful, when we are left without communication (without a mobile phone), we feel lost. This can lead to a feeling of anxiety.
Studies on this phenomenon began in 2011 in the United Kingdom, when the YouGov Polling Institute and the UK Post Office conducted research. The data revealed that:
- 53% of mobile phone users in the United Kingdom feel anxious when their mobile phone battery runs out, or when they lose it or are without coverage.
- 58% of men and 48% of women suffer from this disorder.
- The stress levels experienced by people with Nomophobia are comparable to those a person might have the day before their wedding.
- 55% of participants stated they felt “isolated” without their mobile phone.
Treatment for New Technologies
The treatment for addiction to ICT aims for the patient to regain full control of their life. At CC Adicciones we carry out a first visit free of charge and subsequently advise on the type of treatment the patient should follow. A personalised follow-up is always carried out with high therapeutic intensity.
