Ringxiety

Do you swear you hear your cell phone ringing, all to see that it didn't? According to a story from the Times of India, cell phone users in India seem to be experiencing this problem, and it's name is "Ringxiety."

"The study, conducted by David Laramie from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, Los Angeles, found that 67% of the people suffering from this phenomenon had higher monthly charges, used more minutes, sent more text messages and showed higher levels of impulsive behaviour."

The perspective is tempered by Dr. Nimesh Desai from the Institute of Human Behavioural and Allied Sciences who states that more evidence is required to substantiate the link between increased anxiety and mobile phone usage. Dr Desai, however, agrees that "being accessible all the time isn't always a good idea".

Indeed, this type of behaviour might change if people change their cultural expectations for this medium: how quickly someone picks up, or responds. A variety of social pressures exist to keep up with people's demands with new media not just in India, but around the world. We see this in emails (exacerbated by blackberry usage and 'always on' expectations), cell phones, and even..... facebook.

It would be interesting to talk to these people to see what they're struggling with and how this new technology is fitting into their lives... and messing with their showers.