The influence of age on emotion-regulatory strategies, emotional work demands, and health/work outcomes: a systematic PRISMA literature review with narrative synthesis.

The use of social networking platforms and internet‐based tools has reshaped communication and daily activities globally, fostering an environment of increased digital connectivity. This trend has brought about a psychological phenomenon known as netlessphobia which is the fear of being disconnected from the internet []. Individuals experiencing netlessphobia often exhibit symptoms such as anxiety, helplessness and isolation when deprived of internet access, highlighting its growing relevance in an increasingly connected world []. Although conceptually related to other technology‐related conditions such as nomophobia and other forms of digital addiction, netlessphobia refers specifically to anxiety triggered by the loss of internet connectivity itself rather than the absence of a particular device or generalized compulsive technology use []. Nomophobia describes the fear of being without a mobile phone, whereas digital addiction is the persistent and excessive engagement with online technologies that interferes with daily functioning (Kuss & Griffiths, 2017; []). Netlessphobia therefore demonstrates a distinct but related construct within the spectrum of technology‐related anxieties, centred on the psychological distress associated with internet disconnection. Moreover, netlessphobia is an emerging concern demonstrating the societal dependence on digital connectivity []. In countries with advanced digital infrastructure, such as the United States, South Korea and Japan, excessive reliance on the internet for work, education and social interaction has made disconnection anxiety a widespread issue (Kuss & Griffiths, []). The phenomenon is closely associated with technological developments that blur the boundaries between online and offline environments, increasing psychological vulnerabilities such as fear of missing out (FOMO) and increasing patterns of digital dependency []. These developments provide an important background for understanding how connectivity‐related anxieties may come about in societies undergoing digital transformation. In Europe, the situation is similarly critical as internet penetration exceeds 90% in many countries, with citizens integrating digital connectivity into their everyday lives []. Studies reveal that Europeans increasingly rely on internet access for communication and vital services, including healthcare, banking and education []. However, disparities in internet access between urban and rural areas, particularly in Southern and Eastern Europe, exacerbate digital exclusion and contribute to heightened anxiety over connectivity disruptions []. Furthermore, cultural factors, such as the importance of maintaining online social identities, increase connectivity‐related anxieties among specific demographics, including young adults and professionals engaged in remote work []. These patterns of digital integration and uneven access provide comparative understanding into how similar interactions may manifest within national contexts (such as Turkey) undergoing digital expansion.