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a strong and irrational fear of something. Nomophobia

can make it difficult for people to focus on the in-person
conversations and activity happening around them.

In the 2018 Pew Research Center survey of US teens,
56 percent of the respondents said being away from their

phone makes them feel anxious, lonely, or upset. Nicholas

Carr is a writer who covers technology and culture. He
says, “I think we know enough now to be deeply concerned

about how these very, very powerful and seductive devices

are influencing pretty much every aspect of our [lives].” 7

THE PULL TO CONNECT

Scientists have an explanation for why smartphones are

so appealing. Humans are hardwired to connect with other
people. It is because of this desire to connect that the pull

of the smartphone is almost irresistible.

Throughout history, humans have depended on close

relationships with other people. People have been drawn

to each other, forming relationships that bring both joy and

safety. These relationships were built around networks of
family and close friends. In these networks, people trusted

each other and worked together. They relied on each other

to survive. Hundreds of years ago, these social networks
were made up of people who lived physically close together

as neighbors in villages and towns. Today, smartphones

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