Phantom Cellphone Vibration Is a Sign You Need a Tech Break

Your cellphone is vibrating in your pocket—but when you check, it really isn't. The good news is you're not going crazy. This phenomenon, called phantom cellphone vibration syndrome, is increasingly common. The bad news is you might have a tech addiction.

Larry Rosen, professor of psychology at California State University and author of a book on technology, iDisorder, says lots of people are patting their pockets all day, feeling phantom vibrations that may be a sign of tech anxiety:


In this increasingly connected world, the syndrome is fairly common. Here's how to tell if imaginary cellphone vibrations is a cause for concern: Ask yourself if you feel anxious about being connected and whether that anxiety is interfering with anything else in your life.


To counter the anxiety, Rosen suggests not carrying your device 24/7 and taking 10 to 15 minute tech breaks every couple of hours to reset your brain. Good advice, whether you've got phantom cellphone vibration syndrome or not. Also, learn to live without push notifications and turn on only the actionable alerts to preserve your sanity and make you more productive.

Cellphone vibration syndrome and other signs of tech addiction | Computerworld

Photo remixed from an original by dukibu (Shutterstock)