electronic banishment. They fear being tossed out of, or los- ing their ‘social village.’”


The term was originally coined from a 2010 study by YouGov, a UK-based research organiza- tion that wanted to look at anxieties suffered by mobile phone users. The study found that men and women often felt stressed when their mobile phones were turned off.


“Nomophobia can be a symp- tom of a potential addiction,” says Howard. “Users who are happy and having a good time when on their device, then face great stress and anxiety without it. They may obsess about it. They can’t put it down. This is when actual addiction becomes a threat.”


When you see a behavior be- coming destructive, and admit to having a problem, you can


handle it in the same way as other types of addiction. “Develop strategies for meet- ing your social needs in other ways ... without depending on an electronic platform,” suggests Howard.


Start by resisting the urge to constantly check your phone. Try limiting your number of mobile social media networks and consider joining more in-person professional networking groups or sports clubs. Set aside some time to leave your phone alone, such as at dinner, with friends or going to sleep.


If it becomes an addiction and begins to strain your relationships, consider asking others around you what they think. Be open to a sort of intervention where friends and family may candidly tell you their thoughts. No need to go cold-turkey, just take some small steps at a time to disconnect and enjoy the world around you, without looking through a smartphone screen. And lastly if you can’t do it alone, then seek professional help.


Oct/Dec 2014 15 Kalon Women Magazine


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