奇速英语

无手机恐惧症，是种什么“病”？

Mobile phones have become a part of modern life. Not only do they serve as a way to communicate, but they also act as a social network tool, personal organizer, online shopping tool, calendar, alarm clock, and mobile bank. While they are without a doubt beneficial devices, some suggest that overreliance on digital devices may be a form of behavioral addiction.

In fact, the term nomophobia was coined fairly recently to describe the fear of being without your phone. This includes not just losing, forgetting, or breaking your phone, but also being outside of mobile phone contact. It is a growing concern in a world where always being connected seems more important than ever before. When people lose their phone, or when their mobile runs out of battery, it can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety—or even feelings of fear or panic.

People tend to experience this phobia when they are insecure, or lack self-control and discipline, get easily bored or impatient, or have no other recreational hobbies. Humans are social animals needing constant companionship and having the desire to talk and connect with others. Therefore, this phobia is not all that unnatural given the fact that cell phones are readily available everywhere and used by people of all ages today. A person having had a negative experience upon being left without a cell phone could develop life-long nomophobia.

Like all other phobias, the fear of being without a cell phone can also cause various mental and physical symptoms. Most phobics will go to great lengths to protect their phone. They will also keep checking the device every now and then for battery life and/or messages. They will ensure charging the battery so as to never be left without a phone. Many are even known to keep multiple phones. A majority of phobics experience a panic attack when separated from their phone for long periods. They might use the phone in any place they think fit, no matter how inappropriate. Overcoming this phobia can be challenging and while medical intervention is not always needed, there are many alternative options available.