Nomophobia — Do you have it?

Jesse — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 14:12:42 +0000

As an IT guy, I very rarely leave my cell phone, laptop, Blackberry or other computer-related device behind. I hate the though of going somewhere without being connected to the rest of “my world”. The internet is supposed to be a never-ending place. And I never want to be without it just in case it does end. I would have to be the first to hear it.

When I started at Rohm and Haas, I was without a phone, desk, computer or login accounts for 3 days. This was one of the strangest feelings I’ve had since learning to drive a car, or the first time I partied too hard in college. It wasn’t fun. Sure, I wasn’t stuck over a toilet or driving like a granny, trying to not go over the speed limit, but it was almost painful.

I’m used to being connected to anyone and everyone at the push of a button. Now, I had to pre-plan what route I was going to take (no Google Maps), who I might need to call (no company directory at hand) and what I had to do (no Blackberry connected to my datebook). I think in the end though, it was good for me. I learned over the past couple months to not always stare at my email, respond to them in near real-time and to live on the Internet (especially Twitter) day in and day out.

With this, I ask you, do you have nomophobia? If so, what do you think you should do about it? Face your fears or live with it?