Researchers say nomophobia, which is anxiety caused by smartphone separation is real and has more to do with the role our smartphones play in our overall identity than the ability to make or receive calls.
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), Beer-Sheva, Israel; University of Haifa, Israel; and Amsterdam University, The Netherlands studied people from 29 countries.
In that study of about 549 participants, researchers showed social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have become powerful scrapbook with vast memories is like an extension of our lives.
While some experts are worried about more people becoming dependent on their smart phones. Other experts suggest it is just a sign of the times.
CNET Senior Editor Bridget Carey said,"Don't beat yourself up if you're trying to cut back on your dependency of checking your smart phone all the time.”
According to Carey, technology like Alexa and Siri is set up to make us more dependent. For those who are locked into their smart phones often, Carey said, “A little progress is actually a big deal when it comes to habits and trying to break them.”