Yes, we’re talking of phone addiction or nomophobia. NO MObile PHone PhoBIA is used to describe a psychological condition where a certain person has a fear of being detached from mobile phone connectivity. This is nothing to be exclusively described because every one of us has witnessed/ experienced it somewhere.

“Man is a social animal” therefore, he needs connections to thrive on. He builds society and maintains behavioral aspects with others in order to survive. Being socially connected can ease stress and anxiety, boost self-worth, provide comfort and joy and prevent loneliness.

As time passed gradually, these connections have been taken over by social media and smartphones, simultaneously. Earlier, as social media was developing, people didn’t have an easy access to it as only specialized places called ‘cyber cafés’ were available.

But over the decades, this luxury is now replaced by smartphones which are handy, affordable and carry the giant world inside them- there is something for everyone, and everything for the mankind!

One could not have imagined their kids being so fluent in the use of mobile phones 7-8 years ago, but now that illusion has been shattered and the kids are actually fluent with the mobile phones. Some companies have made quite a business with this behaviour. They have developed coding apps for these children at a very young age like for those studying in 6th standard. Of course, this use is not bad because to make the best use of something that is in our hands 24*7, is helpful only. So, here comes a clear irony to show how our weaknesses are being utilized in business tactics.

But children, teenagers and even adults of this generation are now being diverted towards uncontrolled use of mobile phones, and it has already proven hazardous.

Thus, an ironical situation is seen again with the help of these studies that a device which was designed for the purpose of ‘connecting’ and ‘attaching’ society, has done just the opposite of it.

A habit becomes an addiction when you cannot simply give up on it- as described by researchers.

“Social media is not a media. The key is to listen, engage, and build relationships.”

Probably because of inadequate research, this situation has yet not been categorized ‘medical’ officially, but it is clearly seen as behavioral change. It is clear & obvious that there is no need of any exclusive survey to figure out how phone addiction affects anyone, it could naturally be felt in the behaviour itself. Some criteria are:

• Being unable to fight with the impulse need of using phones repeatedly.

• Being preoccupied with mobile phone and hence, keeping it handy all the time.

• Continuous and repeated change in behavior/ mood swings throughout the day; and justifying them through others’ behavior.

• Having no interest in the conversation (or forgetting what the conversation was about) when visiting someone.

• Sense of withdrawal, or no will to attain mindfulness; among others.

A wide range of population believes that phones are the 'pain- killers' to deal with everyday adversity. What we don't realize is they are actually 'stimulants' in disguise of 'pain-killers'.