cyberphobia
LowTechnical / Formal
Definition
Meaning
An irrational or intense fear of computers, digital technology, or the internet.
Anxiety, distrust, or aversion towards digital systems, artificial intelligence, and online environments, often stemming from a fear of loss of control, privacy invasion, or technological complexity.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A specific phobia formed by the blend of 'cyber-' (relating to digital technology) and '-phobia' (fear). While the core is fear, the term can extend to describe a general resistance or aversion to digital life.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Spelling and usage are consistent across both variants.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to appear in British media in sociological or cultural commentary, whereas in American English it may appear more in tech industry or psychological contexts.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects. It is a specialist term.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + have/suffer from + cyberphobiaCyberphobia + among + [group]cyberphobia + about/regarding + [technology]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Discussed in HR or management contexts regarding employee training and digital transformation resistance.
Academic
Used in psychology, sociology, or media studies papers examining the human-technology relationship.
Everyday
Rarely used in casual conversation; simpler terms like 'scared of computers' are more common.
Technical
Found in clinical psychology literature and articles on the societal impact of technology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- His cyberphobic attitudes made remote work impossible.
American English
- Her cyberphobic stance prevents her from online banking.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Some older people have cyberphobia.
- My grandad's cyberphobia means he won't use a mobile.
- Cyberphobia can make it difficult to learn new skills.
- Her cyberphobia started after her computer was hacked.
- The digital divide is partly fueled by widespread cyberphobia among certain demographics.
- Workplaces must address employee cyberphobia during tech upgrades.
- Sociologists argue that cyberphobia is not merely a personal anxiety but a cultural response to rapid technological change.
- The clinic offers therapy designed to mitigate the debilitating effects of severe cyberphobia.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CYBER' (digital world) + 'PHOBIA' (fear) = fear of the digital world. Picture a person terrified of a glowing computer screen.
Conceptual Metaphor
TECHNOLOGY IS A THREAT / THE DIGITAL REALM IS A HOSTILE SPACE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'киберфобия' unless in a very technical text; in speech, 'боязнь компьютеров/интернета' is more natural.
- Do not confuse with 'киберхондрия' (cyberchondria – anxiety about health from online searches).
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean 'fear of cybercrime' specifically (that is 'cybercrime anxiety').
- Misspelling as 'cyberphopic' (adjective is 'cyberphobic').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate definition of 'cyberphobia'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Cyberphobia describes a specific phobia, which is an anxiety disorder characterized by an irrational and persistent fear of computers, digital devices, or the internet.
They are very similar and often used interchangeably. Technophobia is a broader fear of advanced technology in general, while cyberphobia is more specifically focused on digital, computer, and internet-related technology.
Yes, like other specific phobias, it can be treated through therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), gradual exposure therapy, and education to build digital literacy and confidence.
No, it is a low-frequency, technical term. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to use phrases like 'scared of technology,' 'not good with computers,' or 'technophobe.'