Abstract

Technology, specifically the fear of being without a mobile phone known as nomophobia, is on the rise among university students leading to arguments over its impact on learning activities as well as its influence on the wellbeing of students. This research seeks to find out the prevalence of nomophobia among university students, determine how it affects their performance, and establish factors that contribute to nomophobia. A total of 200 students studying in different universities in Punjab province participated in the study and data were collected using structured questionnaires. This study further established that students experience high levels of nomophobia, evident on measures of fear of being unable to communicate, lose connection, and inability to access information. Discomforts such as eye strain and poor sleeping patterns were noted to be the health concerns arising from use of smartphones. The present study further revealed that nomophobia has a negative influence on the learning process as higher levels of nomophobia lead to disruptions and lower levels of study. Gender, age and the program of study were some of the demographic factors seen to have an effect on the level of nomophobia. Some measures entail: awareness creation that focuses on the effects of nomophobia, counseling services, and probably technology fasting to discourage use of the devices among students.