Abstract:

The aim of the study is to discuss nomophobia, which is a very new concept in the literature, in terms of "extended self theory". In accordance with this purpose of the study, literature review was made on the subject. Literature review was carried out using the concepts of "extended self theory", "Belk", "nomophobia". In this context, firstly, the concept of nomophobia and theoretical information on smartphone addiction are included. Later, nomophobia was tried to be defined in terms of extended self theory. Nomophobia has entered human life with smartphone technology and is among the specific types of phobia. It is a disorder called the fear of being without a smart phone. It is also accepted to be among the internet addiction category. It is seen that specific phobia diagnostic criteria are used in the diagnosis of nomophobia. The Extended self theory is based on the individual's perception of the objects he/she owns as if they were a part of himself after a while. It is observed that individuals use smart phones for a wide variety of purposes in daily life. For this reason, individuals try to keep smartphones with them almost every moment of the day and keep them active. This situation causes the individual to feel as if the phone is part of himself after a certain period of time. When the phone, which the individual sees as a part of himself, is closed to access, the individual experiences extreme stress, anxiety or fear. It is observed that there are many studies in the literature on variables that may be associated with nomophobia. While some studies dealing with the relationship between gender, age, personality traits, academic life, educational variables and nomophobia have obtained the result that there is no difference between them, some studies have found a significant difference. In addition, studies show that nomophobia is associated with emotional problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression. In studies on the treatment of nomophobia, it is seen that the treatment methods used in internet addiction (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, seven magical days, purposeful group therapies) are also used in the treatment of nomophobia, since nomophobia is considered in the subcategory of internet addiction. As a result, it is thought that nomophobia is a concept that can be explained in terms of the extended self-theory, making a unique contribution to the relevant literature.

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