Nomophobia and Social Interaction Anxiety Among Students

The present study examines the relationship between nomophobia (fear of being without a mobile phone) and social interaction anxiety in school students in higher education. With the rise in smartphone uses, young students are becoming more reliant on on mobile devices for social influences and emotional security. This study intended to examine whether higher levels of nomophobia predict greater social interaction anxiety. A sample of 128 students aged 18–25 years from colleges in Kanpur City, ( Uttar Pradesh) were selected through purposeful sampling technique. The Nomophobia Questionnaire (Yildirim & Correia, 2015) and the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (Mattick & Clarke, 1998) were administered. Data were analysed using mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s r, regression and t-test. Findings revealed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.71, p < 0.01) between nomophobia and social interaction anxiety. The results indicate that students with higher mobile phone dependence incline to experience greater social anxiety, affecting their direct communication and social adjustment. These conclusions highlight the psychological suggestions of extreme smartphone use and suggest the need for awareness and intervention programs among young generation