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“Nomophobia” is the new word in the Portuguese language and reflects a modern fear! ABL has made the term official in the VOLP, consolidating digital dependence as a real phenomenon. See what it means, why it can be a problem for your mental health and learn about other words that are now part of our vocabulary!
In an increasingly connected world, technology has become indispensable in everyday life.
Cell phones, social networks and apps have created a new way of interacting, but they have also brought unexpected challenges.
Among them, a growing fear has caught the attention of experts and has now gained an official name in the Portuguese language.
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The Brazilian Academy of Letters (ABL) included “nomophobia” in the Orthographic Vocabulary of the Portuguese Language (VOLP), recognizing a phenomenon that already affects millions of people: the irrational fear of being without access to a cell phone or the internet.
The term, derived from the English “nomophobia” (“no mobile phone phobia”), reflects the growing digital dependence and its impacts on mental well-being.
What is nomophobia and why is this fear growing?
Nomophobia describes the extreme anxiety caused by the lack of a cell phone, whether due to low battery, loss of the device or lack of internet connection.
According to experts, this condition is directly linked to the excessive use of technology, especially among young people and professionals who depend on mobile devices to work or socialize.
Research shows that smartphone addiction can lead to symptoms such as irritability, tachycardia and difficulty concentrating when the device is not nearby.
During the pandemic, the problem intensified, as social isolation increased the need for digital connection, raising anxiety levels related to cell phone use.
How to identify?
Symptoms of nomophobia can vary, but include:
- Feeling panic when running out of battery or internet
- Checking your phone compulsively, even without notifications
- Avoid places where the signal is weak or non-existent
- Extreme anxiety when forgetting your phone at home
- Difficulty disconnecting, even during leisure time
Studies indicate that People with nomophobia may develop insomnia and experience reduced productivity due to excessive use of mobile devices.
The problem is already considered a psychological disorder by some experts, although it is not yet officially recognized by psychiatry manuals.
Other words added to VOLP
Each year, new terms are incorporated into the VOLP to reflect changes in society and science. In addition to “nomophobia,” the ABL has registered other words that have become widely used in Brazil.
Freediver – refers to athletes who practice freediving, a technique that requires holding the breath underwater for long periods. The term has become popular with the growth of freediving as a sport.
Cryovolcano – a geological phenomenon found on icy moons in the Solar System, where volcanoes would spew ice and compounds such as methane and ammonia, instead of lava.
bike – bicycle adapted to be propelled by hand, used mainly by people with reduced mobility in competitions and leisure activities.
microplastic – small plastic particles, present in hygiene products and in the degradation of larger plastics. The term has become central to debates on environmental pollution.
Petrichor – the characteristic aroma that appears when rain falls on dry soil, a phenomenon described by scientists in the 1960s and which is only now gaining popularity in the Portuguese language.
How to deal?
The recognition of the term by the ABL highlights a real problem, but There are ways to reduce digital dependence and improve your relationship with technology. Some strategies include:
Set up cell phone-free schedules, such as during meals or before bed.
Disable unnecessary notifications to reduce the compulsion to check.
Invest in offline activities, such as sports, reading and spending time outdoors.
Practice the “digital detox” and take breaks from social media.
seek professional help, if the anxiety caused by the lack of a cell phone is affecting your quality of life.
The advancement of technology has brought comfort and practicality, but also psychological challenges.
Nomophobia is not just a modern fear, but a reflection of how mobile devices have become an extension of everyday life.
Now that “nomophobia” is officially part of our vocabulary, the question remains: we are ready to balance the use of technology and prevent this fear from controlling us?
