Phantom Vibration Syndrome

Overview

You feel a buzz. Check phone. Nothing. You just hallucinated a machine.

Definition

Phantom Vibration Syndrome is a tactile hallucination where the brain misinterprets sensory signals as phone alerts.

The Science

Predictive Coding

The brain predicts 'vibration' due to hyper-vigilance for social signals.

The Practice

Retraining

1. Move phone to a different pocket.
2. Don't check on phantom buzz.
3. Turn off vibration.

Common Pitfalls

• Ignoring it.
• Using smartwatches (makes it worse).

Key Takeaway

If you hallucinate your phone, you are too close.