If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may be at risk for nomophobia, also known as the "no-mobile-phone-phobia" or the fear of being without your phone; a new phenomenon researchers are currently investigating.
Early studies, some of which are below, have been exploring the psychological and physical distress associated with nomophobia. One study found that when without their phones, teens not only experience more anxiety, but their heart rate and blood pressure also increase. Other studies have found that our smartphones may also negatively impact our memory - specifically our motivation and ability to acquire and retain new knowledge.
“"iPhones are capable of becoming an extension of our selves such that when separated, we experience a lessening of ‘self’ and a negative physiological state,” the study’s lead author, Russell Clayton, said at the time."
To learn more about nomophobia and the related studies click the links below:
- http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/scientists-study-nomophobia-mdash-fear-of-being-without-a-mobile-phone/
- http://teens.drugabuse.gov/blog/post/teens-and-nomophobia-cell-phone-separation-anxiety?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_campaign=Blog
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/nomophobia-phone-separation-anxiety_56374eb9e4b0c66bae5ce169