Nomophobia – how smartphone addiction can affect social media behaviour and implemented communication strategy

Abstract

The scientific contribution addresses the issue of addiction to smartphones and examines how modern technologies change the possibilities and forms of interpersonal communication and behaviour. The main aim of the scientific contribution is to identify the ways in which rapidly developing technological devices, especially smartphones, transform mutual interactions and communication methods of their users in the digital era. Special attention is paid to the role of mobile devices in everyday life, considering their versatility, portability, and ability to integrate with other digital platforms. The focus of the contribution is the second chapter dedicated to the phenomenon of technological interference, which is also associated to the concept of nomophobia, denoting a state of psychological dependence or irrational fear of being separated from a mobile device. The term nomophobia is a defined set of symptoms and manifestations characterized by an excessive and often uncontrolled urge to be constantly connected to a mobile phone, accompanied by anxiety or panic in the event of its loss, unavailability, or discharged battery, which can result in the deterioration of social relationships and a negative impact on the psychological health of individuals, especially the Generation Alpha. In conclusion, the authors appeal to the importance of digital resilience and the necessity of a balanced approach to the use of digital technologies, emphasizing the importance of media literacy and the development of effective strategies to minimize the negative consequences of digital media. The aim of the scientific contribution is to provide a more comprehensive view of the dynamics of the relationship between information and communication technologies and innovations, which unequivocally includes smartphones, and their social implications, and thereby contribute to understanding and solving the issue of technologically determined metamorphoses in the social behaviour and communication of their users.