In the workshop, Assoc. Prof. Nurten ELKİN talked about new-generation digital addictions and concepts such as Nomophobia, FoMO, and Netlessphobia, and answered the students’ questions.
At the workshop, ELKİN stated that Nomophobia is a common disorder of the technology age, characterized by anxiety and restlessness caused by the absence of smart devices used for virtual communication such as tablets, mobile phones, and computers. In its most general sense, “nomophobia” can be defined as the fear of being without a smartphone. In clinical psychology, nomophobia is described as “the irrational and uncontrollable fear experienced by an individual when they cannot access their mobile device or communicate through it.”
Fear of Missing Out (FoMO): Today, especially young people spend a significant portion of their time in the virtual world by sharing content, following current events and friends, and updating their statuses. Individuals’ constant need to check and update social networks has led to a new behavioral disorder defined as Fear of Missing Out (FoMO). This condition draws attention as a type of addiction in which people frequently check their phones or tablets and spend excessive time on social networks due to fears such as “Did I miss something?”, “What has someone just posted?”, or “Am I left out of the conversation?” Research indicates that individuals who experience fear of missing out often feel lonely in their lives and attempt to compensate for the love and affection they lack through social media interactions.
Netlessphobia: The internet, which holds a significant place in people’s lives, has almost become an extension of the individual. The fact that the internet has gained such importance has led to the development of dependence on it and, consequently, the fear of being without it.
