Nomophobia: Mental distraction given by the digital world

 Nomophobia: Mental distraction given by the digital world

Mobile phones have become as indispensable as eating, sitting, and wearing. Rather, they are necessary even if they do not have friends. However, the current generation cannot live without mobile phones.

Mobile phones have now become an integral part of life. These devices that facilitate communication, entertainment, and access to information have had a profound impact on our daily lives.

However, this ease has brought a new challenge - nomophobia.

The Nepali film 'Jhilko', which was released a few days ago, has raised serious questions in society by raising the issue of nomophobia in the context of child mental health.

A scene from the film Jhilko, which raises the topic of nomophobia.

Director Yadav Kumar Bhattarai has presented nomophobia in the context of children through Jhilko and has presented the impact of excessive use of digital media on children's mental health in an artistic and sensitive manner.

What is nomophobia?

Nomophobia is the short name given by experts to the fear of not having a mobile phone. It is a type of psychological condition.

This problem arises when. When a kind of fear arises in the mind when you are away from your mobile phone. There is an unusual fear or anxiety that arises when there is no internet connection, or when the mobile battery is low.

In simpler terms, some people may not like to be without a mobile phone for a long time, but some people feel fear or anxiety when they lose contact with their mobile for a few moments. This condition is called nomophobia.

The use of mobile phones is not limited to adults. Even young children have become so accustomed to mobile phones that they refuse to eat, sleep, or even go to school without their mobile phones.

Parents have also started using mobile phones to distract or keep their children busy. This trend has further promoted nomophobia.

This can be seen directly or indirectly, not in children, but in most people who have access to mobile phones and know how to use them.

Reasons

The exact cause of nomophobia is not known. However, some factors are considered responsible for it.

– Smartphones do not allow us to develop the habit of patience. Because, such digital devices give instant results. It makes it quick and easy to find something or talk to someone as soon as we want.

- It also provides entertainment. Which becomes addictive and leads to frequent use.

– Nomophobia can occur in those who already have anxiety or fear problems.

– The habit of thinking about mobile phones frequently and using them a lot.

- Feeling unable to socialize, uncomfortable in talking to others or feeling weak.

– Doing nothing, living a life of luxury.

How do you know if you have nomophobia?

People affected by nomophobia show various physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms.

For example,

- Spending most of the day on mobile or digital media. Keeping mobile phones close even when sleeping and keeping the phone on 24 hours a day.

– Using more than one mobile phone or always carrying a charger.

– Feeling anxious, scared or restless when the mobile phone is not nearby, the battery is low, or there is no internet connection.

– Feeling like the phone is ringing even when it is not ringing. Checking the phone frequently and feeling restless even when there are no messages or notifications.

– Finding it difficult to participate in social activities or conversations without a mobile phone. Stay away from such activities.

- Not having one as mentioned above can cause fear, anger, irritability, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, decreased concentration, and disruption to daily work.

These symptoms have a long-term impact on children's education, social relationships, and personality development.

Effects of Nomophobia

Nomophobia has a serious impact on children's intellectual, emotional, and social development.

Nowadays, most children do not talk to anyone, spend hours alone on their mobile phones, keep their mouths shut, and do not answer even when called.

Excessive use of digital media reduces their creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interaction.

When children become addicted to mobile phones, they are deprived of outdoor sports, contact with nature, and direct interaction with friends.

In addition, there is also the risk of exposure to inappropriate content before they reach adulthood.

The anger, stubbornness, and irritability that occur when they do not have a mobile phone add further complexity to their mental health. The film Jhilko has also tried to raise awareness in the society by showing all these aspects through a story.

Treatment

The problem of fear of not having a mobile phone is not officially considered a disease. It is a new condition that has recently appeared. Therefore, there is no specific treatment for it. However, psychiatrists treat it like other fears (phobias).

– Behavioral therapy: These therapies help reduce fear and negative beliefs. For nomophobia, this therapy can address the fear of losing the phone, being out of touch, or not being able to use the phone.

– Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): In this therapy, the person is taught to confront and change the thoughts that cause fear.

-Exposure Therapy (gradual exposure to fear): In this, the person is gradually placed in a situation where the phone is not there, so that the fear is reduced.

Hypnotherapy: In this therapy, the psychologist teaches the person how to stay calm and comfortable even without the phone, such as imagining peaceful images in their mind.

These measures help to gradually reduce the fear of nomophobia.

How to control this problem once it appears?

Control nomophobia

A conscious effort is needed at the individual, family, and societal levels to overcome this.

– Be aware of the impact of excessive use of digital media on mental health.

– Set a specific time for children to use their mobile phones.

– Encourage them to engage in outdoor play, creative activities, and spend time with their family.

– If symptoms of nomophobia appear, consult a psychiatrist, psychologist, or health professional immediately.

– Engage children in other interesting activities instead of mobile phones. Pay attention to their emotional needs.

– Practice staying away from mobile phones and the internet for a specific time.