Take this word for instance: nomophobia. Have you ever heard of it? If you were to guess what it means, would you do so correctly? No matter, here's a BIG clue: 0http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nomophobia
Did you guess right? The word 'nomophobia' is actually made up of three words: 'no' plus 'mobile' plus 'phobia' to make what looks like a compound word. It essentially means a fear of being without your phone.
Isn't that a seemingly reality as cellphone addiction is becoming more common. I wouldn't be surprised if it is replacing internet addiction.
In Chongqing, China (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chongqing), a 30-metre (100-foot) stretch of sidewalk was specifically created for nomophobics in a theme park. Can you believe that?! I wonder about other parts of the world!
This sidewalk lane has the word "cellphones" along with a symbol for visual display. The lane is separated with two thick white lines.
Being a form of a 'walkie-talkie' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walkie-talkie) - us humans - would require a certain amount of control and discipline to talk and walk at the same time, preferably in a relatively straight line. That may be considered a talent.
So much in fact, that the post-secondary school near my work featured a 'road safety' challenge with orange traffic cones, lane lines, and the like as part of student orientation last week. I would have participated except that I recently got my new cellphone and didn't quite know how to work it just yet. I think it may have been an enlightening experiment.
Are you a 'walkie-talkie?' Are you able to walk without hitting people, poles, walls, and the like? (Apparently, that's quite common.) If so, you are talented, though I wouldn't recommend it! ;) <3
Lol this was a funny one Elly! But on a serious note I think I'm a nomophobic too. I haven't hit into poles, walls or people yet but yes me and my phone are inseparable ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's a growing trend Vinodini...just be careful! ;) <3
DeleteYeah i did read about the mobile lane in china. Its a pedestrian walkway also to warn ppl about the dangers of talking over phone and being on the road.
ReplyDeleteAh, I think I missed saying that. Thanks Nisha! :) <3
DeleteOh God I think I'm a nomophobe then! I need to change that...
ReplyDeleteOnly if you want to, that is, unless it's a danger to you and/or someone else, then perhaps! ;) <3 There are worse things in life! ;)
DeleteLoved it, Elly. Loved learning a new word - nomophobic. Today it is quite normal to see people walking down the street talking to what seems to be themselves - sometimes with dramatic gestures as well, only to discover that they are on the phone ... I blend in well .. I often tend to talk to myself ... just without the phone ... HUGS <3
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing commercials on TV with people talking on cellphones. It looked like such an imaginary world at the time. I thought it looked rather funny and still think that at times when it seems like people are talking to themselves. However, I should talk! Like you, I sometimes talk out loud as well. ;) <3
Deleteyes I am definitely nomophobic!!! when I am away at work and I go for a walk I have my headphones plugged into my phone and I talk to my partner...... only one earpiece in though.....I need to hear whats going on round about me!
ReplyDeletesometimes I feel stupid looking like I am talking to myself, and laughing etc but if I want to get exercise AND talk to my partner it has to be done!
Great that you can talk with only one earpiece keeping alert with the other...hope your other ear is as good or better in hearing surround sound. ;) See the latter part of my comment to Judy above. ;) And by the way, I'm not judging anyone in being a 'nomophobic.' It is merely education I am striving for, albeit I forgot one piece which Nisha referred to above. :) <3
DeleteI confess, Elly, I'm a partial nomophobic :) there was a time when i and my phone were inseparable...but now life has taught me better. I sometimes intentionally leave my phone at home when i go out, just to remind myself that i'm not even so indispensable to the world, to see what can go amiss by my being out of reach for an hour or so, and sometimes to just feel free :) but my parents are simple people and we actually have to persuade them to take their phones along (except when they have to be out all day). Guess, i take after them partially :)
ReplyDeleteAsma, it's good to be aware of your limitations and then choose from a place of empowerment what works best for you. However, as we become more dependent on technology, it is a good idea to take a break occasionally - nature works wonders - for our body, mind, and soul. :) <3
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