By Synthia Lateu
Psychosociologist Ntamack Jean warns that excessive mobile phone use is becoming a psychological disorder and a growing barrier to social interaction, especially within families.
A walk through Douala on Friday, February 6, World Day Without Mobile Phones, shows people sitting side by side, yet absorbed in their phones.
Many residents describe mobile phones as indispensable, serving as a “mobile office” for work, business, and communication. Some stay online constantly to keep up with important information.
However, this dependence is disrupting face-to-face interaction. Conversations with loved ones are often interrupted by notifications, social media scrolling, and constant online engagement.
While some families try to stay connected at home, others admit that children’s heavy phone use is creating emotional distance.
Ntamack Jean explains: “The phone can ring just once, and you see someone rushing to answer it, even when they could ask the caller to call back later. Sometimes, a person may be in an emergency or in a hospital, but those around are focused on their phones because they are searching for excitement or a buzz.”
He says overdependence on mobile phones should be treated seriously. “It is not always urgent to use the phone. What is urgent is to work on social relationships between parents and children. Not just to put phones aside, but to learn how to manage phone use,” he advises.
Observed every February 6, World Day Without Mobile Phones encourages a 24-hour digital detox. The initiative raises awareness about nomophobia – the fear of being without a phoneand the growing problem of mobile phone addiction.
