Phantom Vibration Syndrome (PVS) refers to the perception of a phone vibrating when the device did not actually emit a vibration. This sensation is considered a form of tactile hallucination, where the brain interprets an absent physical cue as real sensory feedback. 1
Phantom Vibration Syndrome is the experience of feeling one’s smartphone (or other device set to vibrate) vibrate against the body usually in a pocket or bag, even though it did not actually do so. The phenomenon is also sometimes called 'ringxiety' or phantom phone signals, integrating “phone” with “phantom” to describe this false perception. 1
In an ongoing discussion on MedBoundHub, a user Kashish Chauhan, pharmacy student, writes about the science behind it.
Phantom vibrations are linked to how our brain and nervous system adapt to constant phone use. The reasons could be
1) Neural Adaptation: Our brain becomes hyper-alert to phone vibrations. Even minor muscle twitches or clothing movements are misinterpreted as alerts.
2) Psychological Expectation: In moments of stress or anticipation, the brain “fills in” a phantom buzz because it expects constant notifications.
3) Mirror of Addiction: Just like people hear a ringtone in silence, this is our brain showing dependency on digital signals.
Phantom Vibration Syndrome is surprisingly common in modern device users. Studies have found:
Nearly half of undergraduate students experienced PVS in a recent post-pandemic study, with prevalence rates around 49.3% in a Malaysian university sample.
Earlier research among medical staff showed that about 68% reported phantom vibrations after carrying electronic devices between one month and one year.
Other studies conducted globally indicate that many smartphone users encounter phantom vibration or phantom ringing sensations at least occasionally, with some earlier research suggesting up to 80–90% prevalence in certain populations.
These findings suggest that PVS is widespread among habitual device carriers, especially those who frequently use vibration alerts.
The sensation involved in Phantom Vibration Syndrome is not a malfunction of the device but rather a neurological interpretation error:
The brain receives many tactile and proprioceptive signals from the body throughout the day. When individuals frequently associate specific sensations with phone vibration, those associations can become learned expectations.
Because phones are often carried close to the body, such as in a pocket or bag, the brain may misattribute unrelated physical sensations (e.g., fabric movement or muscle tension) as a pending notification.
Frequent use of vibration alert modes appears to heighten this effect, as repetitive exposure creates a conditioned pattern.
In scientific terms, PVS is often described as a tactile hallucination because the brain perceives a sensation that is absent, similar to how people with amputated limbs can still feel sensations from missing limbs.
Research suggests several factors that may increase the likelihood of experiencing phantom vibrations:
Using vibration alert mode regularly
High frequency of device use
Carrying devices in locations close to the body (e.g., front pocket, slung bag)
Younger age in some study samples
In one study among undergraduate students, those with devices in vibration mode and those who used vibration mode frequently were particularly more likely to report PVS.
Phantom Vibration Syndrome itself is not classified as a disease or clinical disorder. Most individuals experience it transiently and without severe distress. However:
For some people, frequent phantom sensations may be associated with device overuse, anxiety about missing alerts, or digital distractions.
Recognizing patterns of device dependence can be helpful for those seeking to moderate usage habits or reduce compulsive checking behavior.
Phantom vibrations are not typically linked to physical health risks; they serve more as a marker of how neural processing can adapt (and occasionally misinterpret) repeated sensory associations.
Research shows it is linked to patterns of device use and neural expectations, with nearly half of some study samples reporting PVS. While not a health disorder in itself, it highlights how deeply technology shapes perceptual processes and everyday behavior.