Nomophobia May Increase the Risk of Anxiety, Depression, and Social Isolation

Abstract

Mobile phones are powerful communication devices, first demonstrated by Motorola in 1973, and became popular during the cellular revolution that started in the 90s. In 1990, there were around 11 million mobile phone users; by 2023, there are 7.33 billion mobile phones (including both smart and feature phones) users worldwide or 91.21% of the world's population.1 The first smartphone (the cellular phone with an integrated computer and other functions that weren't necessarily intended for phones) was invented in 1992 by International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) and made available to the public in 1994. In 2023, there are 6.92 billion smartphone users worldwide or 86.11% of the world's population.1 The statistics indicate that the mobile phone is becoming an integral part of human life. In the last decade, the cell phone has become one of the most ubiquitous communication gadgets. The development of technology has both pros and cons. It’s also applicable to the mobile phone revolution. Truly the smartphone helped during the COVID-19 pandemic period to all age groups of people and made life very easy without travelling, especially for students, academicians, officers and IT staff. Same time, prolonged use of smartphones is caused mobile phone dependency. Mobile phone dependence/overuse of mobile phones may lead to mental problems, mood dysfunction, behavioral problems, decreased real-life social interaction, relationship disorders and reduced job/ academic performance.2.  Read more...