Phunny Phobias

If you met someone who was afraid of paper or wax statues, wouldn't you tell them to stop being so ridiculous and get over it? Every Monday, Null editor Hayley hand-picks another bizarre phobia and tries to work out whether it's real or rubbish.

This week:

Nomophobia: fear of being without a mobile phone

What's so scary about it?
R U JKNG I MGHT MSS A REALLY IMPRTNT TXT MSG LKE ABOUT MY MTS PRTY R SMTHNG. INNT. (For those of you not acquainted with text speak, that's "Are you joking? I might miss a really important text message about my mate's party or something. Innit." - Should you ever need to make such a translation try Madhouse's Text Translator). According to a recent survey, over half of mobile users experience anxiety when separated from their phone, with many saying they need to be available because of work. Me, I actively try to lose it. I leave my phone under my pillow and close the bedroom door - ah, sweet ignorance.

What do the scientists say about it?
Well, it depends if you call someone doing a survey for the Post Office a scientist... In any case, Stewart Fox-Mills told the Metro, "It seems being out of mobile contact may be the 21st century's latest contribution to our already hectic lives." Hmm, deep.

Hayley says:
"Having seen more than one instance of someone freaking out when they can't find their mobile phone charger, I really can't deny it exists. Real."

So far: Real 21 Rubbish 20

Find Phunny Phobias from other weeks here. Or try one of our other regulars: