NOMOPHOBIA EXACERBATION AMONG THE MILLENNIAL LEARNERS IN THE 'NEW NORMAL'

The mobile technology has revolutionized the world so hastily that to fathom the degree of the impact is practically impossible. Smartphones owing to their ubiquitous element are synonymous to the most basic bodily needs of humans and indispensable. COVID 19 accelerated the use of smartphones to unprecedented levels which led to an emergence of high numbers of technological addicts. Nomophobia understood as phobia associated with “no mobile phone” is a state of experiencing irrational fear and anxiety by individuals when not able to access their mobile phones or in situations when they are not online. Mobile phone addiction is serious and alarming. Self-esteem, personality, anxiety, stress, mental and physical health issues, academic performance are all getting affected due to nomophobia. The present study while reviewing the research done in the field of nomophobia seeks to answer two research questions- 1. What is the prevalence and levels of nomophobia among students? 2. How severe is the impact of nomophobia among students? In the wake of the potential threats posed by nomophobia, the paper presents some strategies that education systems can adopt to curb the challenges posed due to smart phone addiction in educational spaces