Nepal, March 22 -- When I wake up I instinctively reach for my phone. I just mean to check the time and get out of bed. But before I know it, I have spent 30 minutes or more browsing through Instagram and Facebook and then watched a few videos on YouTube as well. I can't imagine leaving home without my phone and I know the feeling is mutual. Nomophobia (the fear of being without a mobile phone) is a common issue, so much so that we now carry extra battery backups that are heavier than our phones just so we never run out of charge.

However, it's amazing how the very device that was invented to bring people together has torn us apart. It's not unusual for friends to plan a get together only to chat online with people who aren't there.

Som...