The proliferation of smartphones in the modern world has dramatically improved the quality of life, but has also led to an increase in the so-called “nomophobia”. This term, which refers to the phobia of not owning a mobile phone, is not recognized by the psychological community, but has become an alarming problem for a significant proportion of smartphone users around the world.
According to a survey conducted by HostingAdvice, approximately 33% of Americans currently suffer from nomophobia. This can lead to symptoms such as depression and anxiety, and many nomophobes have an almost morbid fear of losing their cell phone. For many, it is a sign of a growing addiction to smartphones, and it turns out that men are affected more often than women.
According to the results presented in this report, 39% of men are nomophobic, compared to 28% of women. This can be explained by the fact that men use their phones for more hours per day: around 23% of the men surveyed said they talk on the phone for at least four hours per day.
About 20% of people who describe themselves as nomophobic said they couldn’t survive if they didn’t always have their smartphone within reach. Of course, there are some things that can make the transition to a smartphone-free lifestyle easier, or at least more independent.
When asked what would help them stop using their devices so much, 50% said that winning the lottery would significantly ease the burden. 26% also said that finding the perfect romantic partner would be extremely helpful in reducing smartphone use, and 23% said that not having to work would also be helpful in this regard. 22% said finding the perfect job could help them avoid using their smartphone to some extent, and 16% mentioned the possibility of living abroad.
This seems to suggest that nomophobes and smartphone addicts are trying to fill an internal void with their mobile devices. Compulsive smartphone use is a serious problem, and 14% of survey respondents said they knew hundreds of people who could be classified as nomophobes. Further research needs to be conducted to uncover the truth behind these findings. Suffice it to say, however, that nomophobia is clearly a problem that many people believe they face.
The term “nomophobia” (not cell phone phobia) has gained some resonance in the mental health world recently, with concerns about an over-reliance on our smart devices that can cause significant stress if we have to go without them.
A new consumer survey from HostingAdvice shows that only 30% of respondents said they had heard the term nomophobia. But when the situation was described to them, 44% said they knew at least a few nomophobes, and 14% said they knew hundreds of people with nomophobia.
Nomophobia is more common in men than women
Perhaps even more telling is that a third of Americans surveyed (33%) describe themselves as nomophobics. This value is higher among men (39%) than among women (28%). Of them, 23% say they spend at least 4 hours a day on their phone, and 22% say they spend between 2 and 4 hours a day.
When asked what they would change to never use a cell phone again, one in five nomophobes said they couldn’t survive without a cell phone (24% of women vs. 17% of men), but others would give up their phone if they did. ..:
- 50% – if you won the lottery
- 26% – When they have found their ideal partner
- 23% – If they never had to work again
- 22% – They would find the ideal job
- 16% – You could live abroad
50% make more purchases on their mobile phones during the holidays than at any other time
The survey found that 90% of Americans surveyed said they would do their holiday shopping online this year, with a quarter (25%) doing all of their holiday shopping online (30% for men vs. 20% for women).
Additionally, the survey found that half of Americans surveyed (50%) say they make more online purchases on their mobile phones during the holidays than at any other time of the year. Other activities that increase cell phone use while on vacation include:
- 41% – social media
- 29% – online banking
- 28% – Stream TV/Movies
- 18% – Stream games
- 13% – online gambling
Best Christmas gift ideas for nomophobes
For people who constantly use their smartphones, there are several products that every nomophobe will definitely want to receive as a gift this holiday season. The web hosting experts at HostingAdvice have put together a short list of 10 Christmas gift suggestions for friends and family with nomophobic tendencies. Gift ideas range from products that help people use their phone more efficiently or that help them put the phone down every now and then:
- Wireless mobile photo printer
- Smartwatch from Samsung and Apple
- UV phone disinfection kit
- Smartphone game controller
- Portable USB charger/power bank
- wireless headphones/earbuds/AirPods
- Subscribe to TV and movie streaming apps
- Mobile phone holder for driving/cycling/running
- Selfie phone tripod with ring light
- Portable Bluetooth speaker
Source: HostingAdvice
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See also:
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