Watch out for nomophobia, so it does not catch you! Effects of digital dependence syndrome on mental health

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the effects of nomophobia in the organizational environment, and the authors developed a research model consisting of the construct's loneliness, depression and anxiety. The growing competitiveness of the market and the need of many companies regarding the availability of employees demand attention.Design/methodology/approachThe authors surveyed 454 Brazilian respondents and used covariance-based structural equation modeling to analyze the survey results. The model’s hypotheses proved significant, confirming the relationships proposed by the theoretical model.FindingsLoneliness and depression, rather than anxiety, explained the influence of nomophobia on individuals’ ability to communicate when inserted in the professional context. Individuals were most likely to have high nomophobia incorporate psychological traits that involve emotional instability, and could benefit from the connection between people in a social group.Practical implicationsThis study confirms that nomophobia can be a situational phobia evoked by the unavailability of a smartphone or by the idea of not having it, not being able to use it or losing it, even within the business context.Social implicationsThe increase in loneliness and depression indicates a deficiency in the face of the smartphone’s benefits.Originality/valueThis paper provides contributions that seek to understand the effect of symptoms from smartphones in the workplace, also indicating that users may cause vulnerability. Companies can prevent vulnerability by creating policies prohibiting their use in the organization’s context and developing healthy habits that do not lead to addiction.