(OPINION) A recent study highlights a widespread issue among smartphone users: anxiety over dwindling battery life.

According to research from the University of British Columbia, 75% of smartphone users experience stress when their phone battery drops below 20%.

This phenomenon, dubbed “low battery anxiety,” affects daily routines, with users altering plans or avoiding phone use to conserve power.

The study surveyed 2,000 smartphone users across North America, finding that 60% feel uneasy leaving home without a fully charged device.

Women reported slightly higher anxiety levels (65%) compared to men (55%). Younger users, aged 18-34, were most affected, with 80% admitting to obsessively checking battery levels.

The fear of being disconnected drives behaviors like carrying portable chargers (45%) or seeking outlets in public spaces (30%).

Psychologist Dr. Sarah Adler, involved in the study, explains that this anxiety stems from reliance on smartphones for communication, navigation, and work.

“When the battery dies, it feels like losing a lifeline,” she notes.

The study also revealed that 25% of users have experienced a dead battery during critical moments, such as emergencies or important calls, amplifying the stress.

Manufacturers are responding with larger batteries and faster charging, but experts suggest practical solutions like enabling low-power modes or scheduling charging routines.

As smartphones remain central to modern life, addressing battery anxiety may require both technological and behavioral shifts.