nomophobia

How many times a day o you check your mobile phone? Do you constantly need to feel it in your pocket or ensure its battery is topped up?

The word "Nomophobia" is used to describe the fear some people have to losing their cells, not being able to use them, or simply not having one. Nowadays, someone over thirteen who hasn't got a mobile phone is considered rather a freak. Have we all become nomophobiac?

As I see it, we have. Although having a cell phone doesn't necessarily mean we're addicted to it, we tend to overuse this device. A mobile phone should be only used in case of needing it, not to define one's personality. I understand that new phones are very useful and come in handy at any time: to take a picture, to look for info, to call a taxi, to order food... And I'm not saying that we have to stop using them for such practical issues. What I am saying, though, is that we can't let these devices become our only resource to solve problems, an that, overall, we can't let mobile phones replace our social life.

So, next time you use your cell, think carefully if you really need it or if you could interact with someone new for your purpose... Do not let your mobile phone replace your social life!