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Nomophobia refers to the discomfort caused by absence of a mobile phone. A study has analyzed the side effects related to separation from excessive smartphone users and found signs of cravings, anxiety and withdrawal symptoms like those seen in drug addicts. The American Journal of Psychiatry published this finding and concluded that such smartphone addiction changes brain function similar to drug abuse. The impact that excessive smartphone use has on health is alarming. Obsessive and uncontrolled smartphone usage causes adverse effects not only on personal health but also on social life. The same study discovered that smartphones administrate cue-reactivity (CR) response. Users' reward centers become active because of the sight or interaction with a phone. Regions of the ACC and NAcc which are associated with controlling impulses and making decisions became more active in people suffering from Extensive Smartphone Use.
The research suggests that after three days of smartphone restriction, it becomes evident that activity in craving regions of the brain tends to increase which is suggestive of withdrawal response. Their explanation is based on the involvement of dopamine and serotonin which are the receptors responsible for pleasure and mood regulation respectively.
Nomophobia is tell-tale sign of cellphone addiction. Symptoms include an overwhelming desire to check their device restlessly, anxiety when away from the phone, difficulty in focusing on one thing or another, and problems with falling or staying asleep. Participants without their phones for three days began reporting higher anxiety levels as well as stronger cravings. The research also suggests smartphone addiction is connected with depression, anxiety, and poor impulse control. The research found that prolonged smartphone use could impair social skills, sleep, and eventually change the structure of the user’s brain. In order to break the habit, they recommend limiting screen time, practicing digital detox, pursuing offline hobbies, and employing anti-dependence mindfulness tools.
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