nomophobia

Nomophobia — the fear of being without a smartphone — a psychological affliction amplified by the pandemic. Our reliance on smartphones has transformed them from convenient tools to lifelines for maintaining personal good-standing. This transformation has led us to a digital slavery, where our actions and behaviors are influenced by algorithms, marketers, and policy keepers. Freud’s analysis of civilization’s discontents reminds us of the inherent tension between individual desires and societal obligations. The integration of smartphones into every aspect of our lives has blurred the line between necessity and intrusion, amplifying concerns about the influence of technology on our lives and societies. The act of collecting data on such a massive scale during the pandemic, along with the enforcement of tracking app usage, sets a precedent that could have a cascading effect, further eroding personal autonomy and societal norms. To address these challenges, we must critically examine our social structures and design human-centric technological systems that align with human needs and values. By doing so, we can navigate the risks and forge a path towards a future where innovation serves our best interests. Read full version “The Fear of Being With a Smartphone” on Medium.