Experimental studies of nomophobia (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus)

Abstract

Cell phones are currently one of the most widespread gadgets used by mankind. The possibilities presented by mobile devices are expanding with each new model released on the gadget market, affect- ing the quality and amount of time a person spends interacting with mobile devices. At the same time, frequent use of a smartphone is not always advisable and may be a symptom of nomophobia – depen- dence on a cell phone. Studies that have been actively carried out in the last decade show the extent of this phenomenon in different countries and social groups. The purpose of the article is to present for the first time an analytical review of experimental studies of nomophobia carried out in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. These studies reveal the concept and essence of the phenomenon of nomophobia, stud- ied in conjunction with various personal and behavioral characteristics. The results of ten experimental studies of nomophobia carried out by different researchers are presented and the data obtained by them are described. Studies by Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian authors: E.E. Verkhoturtseva, E. Sharabarina, D.A. Pankratova, D.V. Dolgushina, A.P. Belova, O.E. Borisova, M.F. Napalkova, E.G. Saroka, G.A. Agasyan, I.M. Skvira, E.A. Kulivar, A.D. Katkova, S.N. Chepelevoy show the distinctive features of the manifestation of nomophobia in various social, age and gender groups of respondents. In the studies, attempts were made to study nomophobia using the author’s questionnaires and to trace its relationship with various mental processes and states of the respondent’s personality. Common characteristics in the manifestation of nomophobia in young people and women from different countries have been revealed. The patterns of research and the formation of the terminological and psychodiagnostic apparatus for the study of nomophobia have been analyzed. The article presents an analysis of the theoretical and empiri- cal research plan for nomophobia, the procedure for sampling and selection of diagnostic material. The study made it possible to single out the general forms of organizing experimental research and to deter- mine the list of topics requiring additional study. The article ends with the conclusions and proposals formulated based on the results of the research analysis for organizing a large-scale experimental study of nomophobia among Kazakh youth.

Key words: gadgets, nomophobia, smartphone, addiction, telephone addiction, phobia, social net- works, addictive behavior.