Phantom vibration syndrome is one of the most blunt evidence of how technology has invaded the human psyche: technological devices are no longer external objects that we access when we need them, but gradually become, almost literally, part of our body.
Having the feeling that the mobile phone is vibrating, without actually happening, is what has been called phantom vibration syndrome, happens at any time and seems very real, for the person it seems impossible that this vibration of the phone is fair. a tactile hallucination.
- “So one day the mind leaps from imagination to hallucination.
- And the congregation listens to God.
- Sees God.
- “-Oliver Bags.
It is estimated that up to 80% of the population has already suffered from phantom vibration syndrome, although it is not considered a disease itself, if this symptom is accompanied by other disruptive patterns of behavior, such as excessive dependence on digital media or an obsession with them, the problem could become serious.
The brain reacts to sensory stimuli. When a stimulus is perceived, sensory organs send the corresponding signals and the brain reacts accordingly, if the bell rings, for example, the brain, in a matter of seconds, decodes the signal and understands that someone is calling. This is the classic, stimulus-response example.
That said, why does phantom vibration syndrome occur, that is, why does the brain perceive and respond to a stimulus that has never occurred?, everything seems to indicate that this is due to some kind of anticipation towards something desired. message is a desired stimulus. Sometimes it is so desired that the senses themselves are responsible for doing it artificially.
Is there a part of us that would hate to miss a call we’ve been waiting for, or are there only people who are hyperconnected?And they practically live on mobile phones. Phantom vibration syndrome, in this case, corresponds to a state of constant expectation, in the face of the desire to “stay connected”.
It should be noted that most people only experience this phantom vibration at certain times in their lives, for example, when they are more susceptible or emotionally vulnerable, or when they are particularly stressed or with some hidden anxiety.
Some researchers at the University of Michigan have suggested that phantom vibration syndrome is not as harmless as it seems. This university center conducted an experiment with 400 volunteers, all students. The study sought to establish the relationship between phantom vibration syndrome and separation anxiety disorder.
The results of the study confirmed their suspicions, as people with the greatest traits of separation anxiety were also the most likely to suffer from phantom vibration syndrome, which is characterized by a constant desire to feel reaffirmed by others.
Also, a study conducted at the Dow International School of Medicine found another interesting element: it was concluded that people with insomnia were more likely to suffer hallucinations from tactile vibrations, the common thread is anxiety.
In general, phantom vibration syndrome is not considered a worrying phenomenon, it is normal that it simply obeys the increasing dependence on technology, in some circumstances when psychological defenses are weaker such illusory perceptions tend to arise. time, no hallucinations.
Health professionals and all people who perform high-risk or maximum responsibility work tend to perceive phantom vibration more often, in these cases it is considered adaptive behavior, they are people who must remain vigilant to fulfill their obligations, so it is not uncommon for them to have such hallucinations.
It has also been found that for most people these kinds of experiences no longer matter to them, they see it as a judgmental error without major consequences, it is not something that affects their mood or makes them feel bad.
So when should phantom vibration syndrome be of concern, when accompanied by frequent anxiety, or when?False alarm? That brings disappointment, anger or discomfort, there are reasons to worry, in these cases it is important to reflect and investigate what is really behind these illusory perceptions.