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Nomophobia: Is the Fear of Being without a Smartphone Associated with Problematic Use?
Fareed Kaviani1, Brady Robards2, Kristie L Young3
1Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia.
Summary
Fear of being without a mobile phone (nomophobia) is linked to problematic phone use. This study found a strong positive correlation between nomophobia and dependent, prohibited, and dangerous mobile phone behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Digital Health
Background:
- Increased reliance on mobile phones for daily activities has led to new behavioral patterns.
- Nomophobia, the fear of being without a mobile phone, has emerged as a significant concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between nomophobia and problematic mobile phone use.
- To determine if nomophobia predicts dependent, prohibited, and dangerous mobile phone behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 2838 participants (1337 males, 1501 females) recruited online.
- Utilized the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) and the Problematic Mobile Phone Use Questionnaire (PMPUQ-R).
Main Results:
- A strong positive correlation was found between nomophobia and all measured factors of problematic mobile phone use.
- Younger age and increased daily mobile phone usage were significant predictors of problematic use.
- Males showed a higher likelihood of engaging in prohibited and dangerous mobile phone use.
Conclusions:
- Nomophobia is significantly associated with increased problematic mobile phone use.
- Further research is warranted to explore nomophobia's role in specific risky mobile phone behaviors, such as distracted driving.
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