New iPhones Are Triggering People’s Trypophobia

PA

Apple’s brand new iPhone models have been unveiled, and many people are looking forward to trying out the variety of interesting and advanced features.

However, the design of both the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max has led to some discomfort; with the manner in which the three camera lenses have been packed tightly together leading to some people’s trypophobia being triggered.

Many trypophobia sufferers have spoken out about the effect this camera lens cluster has had on them, pointing out that it wouldn’t be quite so bad if the lenses had been placed in a straight line. Apparently the jarring, honeycomb-esque pattern is making people so very twitchy…

PA

For those who are unaware, trypophobia is the fear of clusters of small holes placed in an irregular pattern. Sufferers may get triggered by things such as bath bubbles, natural sponges and even strawberries.

According to Medical News Today, the term trypophobia has been used since 2009, but has yet to be recognised by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Although there is currently limited research into the phobia, there are some theories as to why such clusters bother certain people so much. Some researchers speculate sufferers make an unconscious association between ‘holey’ patterns on objects and the ones found on the bodies of dangerous animals.

Although iPhone lenses aren’t holes per se, they certainly have a hole like quality about them. And this is causing many a trypophobic shudder at the thought of these new models being unleashed on the high street.

Many people have taken to Twitter to share the disquieting feelings this new device is giving them, and are coming to terms with the fact that they may well have to put their shudders aside if they want to keep up with iPhone technology.

One person tweeted:

Trypophobia is real and the new iPhone designs is making me extra anxious.

Another trembled:

3 cameras on the new iPhone actually triggers my trypophobia. I can’t have people walking around me with those cameras every day.

Even those who don’t usually experience trypophobia have admitted the insectile design has made them feel a tad queasy.

Many people have jokingly pondered whether Apple will just continue adding lenses to their models until the backs are completely covered. I must say, I really bloody they don’t…

If you have a story you want to tell send it to UNILAD via [email protected]

Julia Banim

Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.