Belinda Parmar explains her views on the role of a phone in a woman's life and how it may be different than for men. Is there a difference? I haven't noticed.

The results show startling differences between the relationship women and men have with their phones. For men the loss was irritating on a functional level -- they couldn't get their emails, call their contacts, organize their lives. It was a nuisance -- nothing more. But for women, and particularly mothers, the absence of a phone was described in much more emotional terms. Comparisons made included the loss of a limb, or the absence of a family member. The language expressed by women was very different to that of men.

What is clear for many women is that their phones are incredibly personal things. The more we channel ourselves through a piece of technology, the more it is bound to become a significant part of our lives, especially once it becomes the gateway to our 'circle of trust' and the first port of call for our loved ones. Why should we have to go without it, even in the most ridiculous of situation

I'm sure there are those who would dispute this way of thinking and say that we have become far too beholden to technology. It has become our master not our slave. The fact is, however, that the many advantages that come from being connected to our friends and family on a regular basis mean that for women like me the option to switch off is not viable.

Get a Grip... on Your Phone