Nomophobia alert: Study confirms how excessive smartphone use affects your brain negatively

Similar to nomophobia, common symptoms include a constant urge to check the phone, anxiety when away from it, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances

The term nomophobia, the fear of being without a mobile phone, was coined long back in 2008. A recent study has confirmed that excessive smartphone use can trigger cravings, anxiety, and withdrawal-like symptoms when separated from their phones.

The study reiterated that excessive use of smartphone can impact your brain activity, especially after a short period of smartphone restriction. Published in the Neuroscience journal, it suggests that smartphone addiction triggers brain activity patterns similar to those seen in other addictive disorders.

According to the research, uncontrollable and compulsive use of smartphones impact not just daily life but also has repercussions on your mental health and social interactions. It found that smartphones trigger cue-reactivity (CR), a brain response similar to cravings in substance addictions. The brain’s reward centers light up when users see or interact with their phones. The key areas like the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and nucleus accumbens (NAcc) showed increased activity in people with ESU. These areas control cravings, impulse control, and decision-making.

Also read | What is nomophobia: Symptoms and ways to overcome it

The study hints that after three days of smartphone restriction, the brain activity in craving-related areas tend to increase, similar to withdrawal symptoms in addiction. It links changes in brain activity with dopamine and serotonin receptors, the chemicals responsible for pleasure and mood regulation.

Similar to nomophobia, the common symptoms include a constant urge to check the phone, anxiety when away from it, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances. After just 72 hours without their phones, participants reported increased cravings and anxiety. The study also links smartphone addiction to depression, anxiety, and poor impulse control. It says that prolonged usage can impact social interactions, sleep patterns, and may even alter brain structure. To break the habit, experts suggest setting screen time limits, practicing digital detox, engaging in offline hobbies, and using mindfulness apps to reduce screen dependency.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.