What does cyberphobia mean?
Cyberphobia is a noun for an intense or irrational fear of computers, the internet, and other digital technology. Unlike ordinary unease or technophobia in general, it can dominate a person’s behavior, prompting them to avoid work systems, online services, or unfamiliar devices. The term is often used conversationally rather than as a precise clinical diagnosis, so writers may prefer specifying the particular technology involved. People whose earlier encounters with computers or online systems were distressing may use the word to describe their own condition. Used carefully, cyberphobia provides concise language for a serious anxiety and can help explain requests for alternative communication routes, additional training, or step-by-step technical support. Although its connotations can be somewhat stigmatizing, the word usefully distinguishes intense, disabling fear from simple technical uncertainty or routine frustration. It is therefore valuable wherever clarity about the source of a person’s distress matters.
nounAn intense or irrational fear of computers, the internet, or related digital technology.
- An intense, irrational fear of computers, the internet, or digital technology, often leading to avoidance of relevant devices, services, or activities.
"Her cyberphobia was so pronounced that she avoided both her work computer and her online banking."
"Her cyberphobia was so pronounced that she avoided both her work computer and her online banking."
"The training programme was designed to help staff overcome cyberphobia without dismissing their concerns about digital security."
The plural is grammatically regular but rare; cyberphobia is normally used as a singular condition name.
"Many people describe their cyberphobias in terms of a particular device or service."
Cyberphobia joins two Greek roots associated with steering and fear—a memorable label for dread of the systems that steer modern life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cyberphobia
Cyberphobia is a modern English compound formed from cyber- and -phobia. The prefix cyber comes from Greek kýber, meaning “helm” or “steer,” a sense familiar through cybernetics, while -phobia comes from Greek phóbos, meaning “fear.” The compound developed alongside the spread of personal computing, digital communication, and internet-based services.
Related word forms
How cyberphobia is actually used
The term is often used conversationally rather than as a precise clinical diagnosis. It is less informative than specifying the technology or experience being feared, and it may sound informal or somewhat stigmatizing in some contexts.
Easily confused with cyberphobia
Cyberphobia is an emotional fear of digital technology, whereas cybersickness refers to physical symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and disorientation associated with virtual-reality use.