Scientists from Monash University, Melbourne have been studying nomophobia – “or mobile phobia” – or the fear of being without your mobile phone. The condition affects many more people than you might think, and can be dangerous for our health and well-being.
Published in the journal, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the study surveyed 2,838 participants on their use habits, as well as their psychological connection to their smartphone. Made in Australia – a country that counts 109.6 mobile-cell memberships per 100 residents (compared to 103.5 per 100 residents worldwide) – the study found that 99.2% of mobile -participants reporting some form of nomophobia, or a degree of fear of not being in their smartphone. Specifically, while more than eight in 10 volunteers had moderate to low levels of nomophobia, it was estimated that less than 13.2% of the sample suffered from severe nomophobia.
“Nomophobes” and dangerous behavior
The researchers noted that the greater the degree of nomophobia that participants had, the more likely they were to engage in risky or even illegal behavior. The experts found that more than four in 10 participants (43%) spent more than three hours a day using their smartphone, and that high usage was directly related to level high of nomophobia, and high risk of problem dependence, prohibited and dangerous use.
Not surprisingly, young people aged 18 to 25 had the highest levels of nomophobia, and males were approximately twice as likely to engage in dangerous smartphone use than females. The study also shows that people with nomophobia were 10 times more likely to use their smartphone in a prohibited area, and 14 times more likely to use their smartphone in dangerous ways, such as when they were driving.
“Our findings provide evidence for the view that expressing a fear of not having a mobile phone can lead to a responsible, prohibited or dangerous problem, and may be major health risks in all respects, such as overuse, antisocial use or reckless use and physical use, ”the researchers conclude.
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