A Scoping Review on the Prevalence, Correlates, Predictors and Effects of Netlessphobia in Turkey

The increasing reliance on internet connectivity has led to the emergence of netlessphobia, a psychological phenomenon characterized by the fear of being without internet access. Despite its growing relevance, limited research synthesizes evidence on its prevalence, correlates, effects and predictors. This scoping review is aimed at addressing this gap by mapping existing literature to comprehensively understand netlessphobia in Turkey.

This review followed Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework for conducting a scoping review. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Science Direct and Web of Science. Additional searches were conducted in Google Scholar. References of eligible studies were also checked, yielding 13 eligible studies.

The prevalence of netlessphobia was reported as moderate to high, ranging from 44.4% to 91% across the reviewed studies. The correlates included technological factors (nomophobia, social media addiction, internet addiction, digital addiction, smartphone use, internet use duration and number of technological devices), psychosocial factors (fear of missing out, perceived stress, job satisfaction, quality of life and phubbing behaviours), personality traits (neuroticism and conscientiousness) and behavioural factors such as sleepiness and fatigue. The predictors included nomophobia, social media addiction, sleepiness and sociodemographic factors such as age, gender, grade level, early smartphone acquisition and leisure activity patterns, alongside personality traits. Netlessphobia was also associated with reduced quality of life, increased stress, sleep-related issues and workplace distraction, including clinical errors among healthcare professionals.

Netlessphobia is common and linked to technological use patterns, psychosocial factors, personality traits and behavioural characteristics. Its associations with stress, sleep issues, reduced quality of life and workplace distraction show implications for psychological well-being and occupational functioning. These findings demonstrate the need for digital well-being strategies and further research to better understand and address internet disconnection anxiety.