Study reveals widspread Smartphone addiction and Nomophobia among people of Afghanistan

Smartphone addiction is widespread among Afghans, with many showing signs of nomophobia, the fear and anxiety of being without a mobile phone, according to a study by the UK-based University of Surrey released on Thursday.

The study surveyed 754 undergraduate medical students from Kabul University of Medical Sciences, mostly aged 18 to 29. It found that men experience moderate to severe nomophobia (93%) slightly more than women (88%).

A significant 54% of participants reported moderate nomophobia, while 35% exhibited severe symptoms, highlighting the prevalence of smartphone dependence among the students.

Lead author Suleman Lazarus, a cybercrime expert at the University of Surrey, noted that the widespread nomophobia among Afghan students reflects the broader socio-political crisis in Afghanistan, where communication restrictions have made smartphones a lifeline for many.

The study also uncovered that married individuals showed higher levels of nomophobia compared to single participants, suggesting that societal expectations and personal relationships in Afghanistan may influence smartphone anxiety.

Despite limited internet access for only 18.4% of the population, the research underscores the importance of understanding technology’s impact on mental health in Afghanistan, where access to education and rights is severely restricted.

The study offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology, mental health, and socio-political issues in Afghanistan. It emphasizes that increasing smartphone dependence is both a personal and societal challenge in the current Afghanistan context.

This research highlights the mental health consequences of smartphone addiction in Afghanistan, where limited access to resources and a stark gender divide contribute to heightened anxieties. Addressing these challenges is vital for improving overall societal well-being.

As Afghanistan grapples with its socio-political struggles, understanding and addressing nomophobia becomes crucial in alleviating the mental health burden faced by many Afghans, particularly its youth.

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