I Ain't No Nomophobe

Nomophobia -- an abbreviation for "no mobile phone" -- is the fear of being without one's cell phone.  And scarily enough, 66% of those surveyed recently say they fear being without their phones, up from 53% last year.  In fact, the average person checks their phone 34 times a day.  And if you can't go more than ten minutes without checking your phone, it's probably even more than that.

So why the fascination?  Most people are addicted to their phones because of the instant gratification it provides them.  They need a certain kind of attention that they can't get anywhere else.  And while it may seem rude or disconnecting when spending quality time with family or friends, the addiction is very, very real.

It's not a fear of being without your phone.  The last thing you are thinking of is needing to make a phone call in an emergency.  But that's the first excuse you'll give when you're late for work because you had to turn around and go back home to retrieve your forgotten phone.  You feel like your life is on hold until you have that phone once again in your hands.  And while you may not feel like it is impairing your life because it is bringing you enjoyment, any reliance upon something so insignificant as a phone can't be healthy.

Cell phones today connect us with so many people on so many levels.  Texting, Facebook, Twitter and Instant Messaging are just a few ways to keep in touch.  And whether you're connecting with different people via different means, or the same people via all means, being without your phone means missing out.  And no one wants to feel left out.  

The biggest population of nomophobes is among 18-24 year olds.  They make up 77% of the total people who admitted being joined at the hip with their phones.  Probably because as people get older, their priorities change and the need for certain types of attention decreases, as it's either no longer important or the need has been satisfied.