Not getting the message: Critiquing current conceptualizations of nomophobia

Anna Sui and Wuyou Sui

Technology in Society, 2021, vol. 67, issue C

Abstract: Nomophobia or “No Mobile Phobia” is a relatively recent term, which describes the anxiety associated with not having access to one's mobile phone or smartphone. Recently, research into nomophobia has garnered significant research attention in tandem with rising rates of smartphone penetration worldwide. However, most research on nomophobia de-contextualizes the source(s) of nomophobia; rather, pathologizing the need for communication and how it occurs. Ultimately, the current conceptualization of nomophobia infers burden upon the individual to address their smartphone-related “phobia”, rather than the social and environmental factors that necessitate their use in modern society. The following opinion piece critiques the ways in which nomophobia has been conceptualized in research literature and discusses the limitations and ethical implications of this approach.

Keywords: Nomophobia; Smartphone; Critique (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:teinso:v:67:y:2021:i:c:s0160791x21001949

DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2021.101719

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