'Technically', Speaking...

     Well, this is, certainly, a 'sign of the times', and, one, which I, ought NOT be surprised by. In case one is unaware, there is now, ANOTHER, new, phobic-condition, that exists in our, modern, technological, society, a state-of-being, known as 'NOMOPHOBIA': the 'fear' of being out of mobile phone contact. The term, an abbreviation for 'no-mobile-phone phobia', was coined during a study by the UK Post Office who commissioned YouGov, a UK-based research organization to look at anxieties suffered by mobile phone users. The study found that nearly 53% of mobile phone users, in Britain, tend to be anxious when they 'lose their mobile phone, run out of battery or credit, or have no network coverage'. The study found that about 58% of men and 48% of women suffer from the phobia, and an additional 9% feel stressed when their mobile phones are off. The study sampled 2,163 people. Fifty-five percent of those surveyed cited keeping in touch with friends or family as the main reason that they got anxious when they could not use their mobile phones. The study compared stress levels, induced by the average case of 'nomophobia', to be on-par with those of 'wedding day jitters' and trips to the dentists. Ten percent of those questioned said they needed to be contactable at all times because of work. More than one in two 'nomophobes' NEVER turn off their phones. It is arguable that the word 'phobia' is misused and that in the majority of cases it is only a normal anxiety that people experience. I must confess, that on the rare, occasion, whereby I cannot find my phone, I do, indeed, feel a, bit, 'stressed'; But, this is due to the fact that I would have a difficult, time, to afford another, and not because I'm 'freaked-out' about the prospect of not being able to be 'in touch' with others, at ALL times. As a single, female, who, still drives, and, the reality that one can no longer find 'pay-phones', ANYWHERE, I feel it is wise to own a cell-phone, for emergencies. However, I am not attached, 'at the hip', to mine, and, am, quite, able to go through the day without using it. As a matter of fact, I, frequently, miss calls that come in for me, as I don't have my phone( and YES, it is a phone, as all I can do on it is make calls) on my person, or, near me. Quite, honestly, I don't feel that I 'suffer' from ANY, type, phobia; Although, if there is one, which is the 'fear for the direction in which our society is headed', I, may, just, endure this, a touch! Just Sayin'...