Addiction, Doughnut, or Extended Self? An Analysis of Interpretive Concepts of Nomophobia

Nomophobia refers to the anxiety individuals experience when unable to effectively access the internet. Traditional explanatory frameworks often interpret this phenomenon as withdrawal symptoms, leading to an over-pathologization of daily behaviors. Neutral theories, on the other hand, view nomophobia as a psychological manifestation of unmet connectivity needs but often fail to acknowledge the psychological benefits of digital technology. The attachment theory perspective interprets nomophobia as separation anxiety, yet logical inconsistencies remain. Self-extension theories consider digital networks as part of the individual self but insufficiently explore the systemic and unique characteristics of the internet. After evaluating and comparing these perspectives, this study introduces the concept of "virtual ability expansion through networks" as a complementary enhancement to existing theories. Overall, the conceptual landscape surrounding this topic is characterized by significant overlap and ambiguity. Future research should aim to delineate the boundaries and applicability of these concepts to better understand the ambivalent “love-hate”human-Internet relationship.