In a recent study by YouGov in Britain, it ‘s been discovered that up to 53% of travellers suffer from ‘NoMophobia’ when on a plane.
This post millennium, devastating clinical condition has since been christened ‘NoMoPhobia’ for “No Mobile Phone Phobia.”
Many of us will have been there I’m sure. It’s that ‘Oh no, I’m on my own now’ moment when the flight attendant asks you to put your personal electronic devices into flight-mode. Meaning no more contact with loved ones for some time as you depart for your destination.
For many, it’s a heavy emotional blow.
Cue sweaty palms, anxious heart flutters and that compulsively sneaky attempt to get another couple of texts away before the Flight Attendant comes past again. Moments later when you get busted you smilingly gesture “Yes, just switching off now”. Ahem.
Sound familiar?
Nomophobia – the fear of being out mobile phone contact. I suffer from this affliction terribly! #nomophobia #whoknew pic.twitter.com/TozwPzZwZY — Paul Dunphy Esquire (@pauldunphy) May 3, 2014
The UK study found that around 53% of Brits get anxious when they “lose their mobile phone, run out of battery or credit, or have poor network coverage.” It affects 58% of men and 47% of women. Symptoms are compared to “wedding day jitters.” Or “pre-presentation nerves”.
For 55% of survey participants, the fear stems from losing touch with friends and family for a time. Ironically however, only 10% missed being out of touch with work. Is that surprising to you?
Saw This Article In The Newspaper Haha No Way I’m Showing All The Symptoms For This Phone Addiction.. #NomoPhobia pic.twitter.com/QKr3KoEiBu — x Hayley x Sargent x (@SargentXhayley) August 27, 2013
Of course, airlines all over the world are working hard to roll out a solution to always on connectivity in the air that doesn’t cost the earth (or the invasion of anyone’s personal space), but there’s still a great divide as to which is the best way to proceed.
While most worldwide travellers prefer complete use of their mobiles and personal electronic devices, including web, text and voice, US flyers are still in a panic over a possible epidemic of ringing mobile phones and loud discussion from seat companions.
And it seems us Australians and Kiwis are equally reticent at the potential onset of fellow travellers making incessant calls on-board with most polls suggesting it’s still a bad idea.
For now, ‘NoMoPhobia’ is a challenge for the airline industry, still deciding the question of mobility. But industry experts believe that the next generation will have a good laugh at our expense over these spooky days of dark connection zones.
