Bound by Pixels: A Bibliometric Journey (2010- 2024) through Nomophobia

Abstract Introduction: Nomophobia, short for "NO MObilePHonephoBIA," describes a psychological condition where individuals experience intense anxiety when disconnected from mobile phone connectivity. While termed a "phobia," it is more accurately viewed as an anxiety disorder. Aim: The aim of this bibliometric analysis is to systematically evaluate the research landscape on nomophobia, identifying key trends, influential publications, and major themes within the field. Methodology: In the preliminary planning, search queries were structured around primary terms like "nomophobia" and secondary combinations to expand the literature review. Specific research questions guided the analysis of nomophobia research from 2010 to 2024. Data from Scopus included metadata such as authors, titles, keywords, affiliations, citations, and publication details. This bibliometric analysis, utilizing biblioshiny and VOS viewer, explores trends through three key components: conceptual structure (themes and trends), intellectual structure (author influence), and social structure (collaborations). These were examined using thematic mapping, co-citation, and collaboration networks to highlight achievements and future challenges in the field. Results: Since 2014, nomophobia publications have consistently risen, peaking at 487 in 2023. Medicine (28%) and Psychology (21.2%) are the leading fields. A total of 7,665 authors contributed, with Griffiths, M.D., Elhai, J.D., and Montag, C. leading at 10% of publications. Nottingham Trent University is the top institution, while China, the U.S., the U.K., and Turkey are the most active countries. The top ten journals, including “International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health” and “Frontiers in Psychiatry,” account for one- third of studies. Co-citation analysis identifies “Computers in Human Behavior” as a key journal. China’s National Natural Science Foundation leads in funding, and co-authorship networks show national collaboration trends. Keywords like nomophobia, smartphone addiction, and FOMO are dominant, with recent growth in terms such as social media addiction and adolescents since 2020. Network visualizations highlight Griffiths, M.D., and Elhai, J.D. as central in co-citation, with strong U.S., China, and U.K. international research ties.