LETTERS: Smartphones are a vital part of one's life since everything is stored in this handy, compact device.
It is becoming difficult to let even a few minutes go without checking the cellphone. Have you ever panicked when you couldn't find your cellphone?
Does it fill you with dread to be stranded in an isolated location without mobile service?
If so, you may just have some symptoms of "nomophobia", a type of modern phobia that emerged in the digital age. It was coined in a 2008 study commissioned by the United Kingdom Postal Office.
It is an acronym for "no-mobile-phone phobia", which refers to a feeling of fear, anxiety and discomfort for not having a mobile device at a certain moment or not having access to a device when required.
In short, nomophobia is the fear of losing connection to the digital world. While nomophobia is not a clinical diagnosis, these nine symptoms are frequently associated with it:
THE inability to switch off the smartphone;
FREQUENTLY considering to plug/charge the smartphone even if the battery is nearly full;
SKIPPING activities or events that were scheduled to spend more time with a mobile device;
CHECKING the cellphone frequently for missed messages, emails or phone calls;
CARRYING the cellphone wherever you go, including the bathroom;
CHECKING to ensure that the handphone is near at all times;
THE feeling of being disconnected from one's online presence or identity;
FEAR of being without WiFi or cellular data connectivity; and,
WORRYING about the possibility of bad things happening and not being able to reach out for assistance.
Nomophobia is strongly linked to a wide range of mental health issues, including personality disorders, as well as problems with self-esteem, loneliness and level of happiness.
All of these issues have a significant impact on one's health. They can have a negative impact on study and work performance.In other words, nomophobia instils a strong reliance on mobile technology and can affect users by provoking constant distractions.
Additionally, it has an effect on interpersonal relationships and interactions, resulting in a sense of disconnection and isolation from the physical world.It is important to be aware that it is possible to maintain the connectedness of society in the digital era by taking a balanced approach between the digital and physical worlds.
If you discover that you are spending too much time on your smartphone due to boredom, contemplate other activities that will keep you from being glued to your device. Try reading a book, going for a walk or engaging in a hobby.
Physical activities can serve as a significant "digital detox", encouraging the use of technology and gadgets in moderation to reduce the risk of this behavioural addiction.
Finally, it is necessary to encourage the efficient and healthy use of technology, while preventing the emergence of nomophobia and the consequences of this phenomenon.
Siti Mariam Ali
Lecturer
Ros Anita Yahya
Lecturer, Department of Economics and Finance, Faculty of Business and Management, UiTM Melaka