Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic found 89 percent of people have experienced the phenomenon, according to YourErie.com. Since people receive phone calls, texts and other alerts at random intervals, our brains and bodies begin to anticipate them on a regular basis. This anticipation can trigger the false sensation of a vibration.
Those who are over-involved with their cell phones — such as executives, who feel the need to be constantly available and connected, as well as social media junkies — are more prone to phantom phone vibrations.
According to Cleveland Clinic researchers, extroverts and those who often engage with others on social media are more likely to experience the phenomenon. Introverts also experience the sensation, as they may be more prone to question their relationships and the communications associated with them, according to the report.
“I think one way to keep it from happening is switch where you carry your cell phone. You’ll be a little less attentive to one specific area and I think you’re probably a little less likely to experience or misperceive the phantom vibration,” said Scott Bea, PsyD, of the Cleveland Clinic. “Most of us are creatures of habit, so we tend to carry our cell phones in the same spot, and we may also have some anticipation, or be waiting. Or, you know, that cell phone is going off intermittently, so it gets us kind of anticipating.”
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