Ringxiety - phantom rings from your cell phone

Sep 17 2007

A new study found that two thirds of the people surveyed, reported hearing their phone ring or feeling it vibrate when it had not actually rung.

The phenomenon has been termed "ringxiety."

The more frequently a person uses their phone, the more often they reported hearing a phantom ring, the study found. These participants (67% of the people surveyed) had higher monthly charges, used more minutes, sent more text messages, and showed higher levels of impulsivity. They were also younger. (participants ranged in age from 18 to 86).

The study also shows that some people rely on their mobile phone to regulate moods and maintain social connectedness. Those people who prefer to use their phones for text messaging, rather than talking, evidence higher levels of loneliness, social anxiety, and problem phone use.

About the Author
David Laramie is an alumnus of the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, Los Angeles. He was graduated in June 2007, with a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a Health Emphasis. He presented his dissertation, which he completed in May, 2007, at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention in San Francisco in August, 2007. He is currently completing a full-time internship at the Wright Institute in Los Angeles and will be staying on there for his post doctoral fellowship next year.