Teenagers are the most affected by nomophobia, according to research published in BMC Psychiatry, but any age group can struggle with it. A huge reason why many people are experiencing nomophobia stems from our reliance on our mobile phones, says Michele Leno, a clinical psychologist and talk show host of TV show, “Mind Matters with Dr. Michele.”
“We’re attached to our phones, and for many different reasons. They’re our miniature computers. We use them for business. We use them to stay connected to family,” Leno tells CNBC Make It.
“When we can’t use them immediately, we become anxious because we think we’re missing out on something. We have this mindset that our phones allow us to be connected to all things at all times.”
Certain people are more susceptible to developing nomophobia, says Blair Steel, a licensed clinical psychologist. Factors that can accelerate your chances of developing the condition are having:
Pre-existing anxiety
Low self-esteem
Struggles with emotional regulation
Insecure attachment styles
A lack of personal relationships
Once a person develops an unhealthy attachment to their mobile phone, it can negatively affect several areas of their life, says Leno. Nomophobia can impair your ability to focus and distract you from completing tasks, she adds, including at work or school.
Additionally, “being distracted all of the time is very unhealthy for relationships,” Leno notes. “We’re sacrificing the happiness and potential health of [those] relationships because we care more about the phone.”Rute ke Bukit Bintang