A disease of the digital age: What is nomophobia and how is it treated?
Experts, who state that mobile phone addiction, known as nomophobia, brings with it many problems related to social life, productivity, and mental health, say that many people feel restless when they are away from their mobile phones. What is nomophobia and how is it treated? Here is the answer...
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It is known that individuals accustomed to existing in a virtual environment do not prefer to interact in the real world. Mobile phones now accompany individuals to the dining table, the restroom, the gym, the bed—in short, everywhere.
Referred to as a disease of the digital age, 'nomophobia' is on the agenda of social media.
A state of distress emerges in some individuals when they are separated from their mobile phones.
So, do you feel restless when you are away from your mobile phone at any time?
If we are talking about nomophobia, your answer to this question would be 'Yes'. The individual is in a state of anticipation to get their phone back in their hand as soon as possible.
A phone with low or dead battery is a source of anxiety for these people.
ALL THEIR ATTENTION IS ON SMARTPHONES
They frequently check the screen for fear of missing any incoming notifications. These individuals, who are accustomed to existing in a virtual environment, do not prefer to interact in the real world or are only physically present in the environment; all their attention is on their smartphones.
A student or an employee has difficulty focusing on their own work because they cannot take their focus off their phone. This object, which they cannot bear to be without, is now a candidate to accompany the individual to the dining table, the restroom, the gym, the bed—in short, everywhere.
It is stated that the most common users of mobile phones are adolescents and young adults, and that nomophobia can be frequently seen in these age groups.
HOW IS NOMOPHOBIA TREATED?
In the treatment of nomophobia, it will be necessary to address other underlying issues that cause this behavior to become frequent and negatively affect functionality.
It is not very realistic to expect individuals to distance themselves from their mobile phones without correctly evaluating their needs, their anxieties about survival, and what the mobile phone means to them.
At this point, it would be beneficial to seek help from mental health professionals, especially addiction specialists.