Summary

The article discusses graphophobia, the fear of writing, and its impact on individuals, particularly writers on Medium.

Abstract

Graphophobia, an intense fear of writing, can cause significant anxiety for those affected, even at the mere thought of writing. This phobia manifests in various ways, from fear of being judged while writing to an aversion to committing ideas to paper. The article suggests that graphophobia is treatable as a social phobia and encourages those struggling with writing anxiety on Medium to seek help. It also humorously suggests that some Medium writers, particularly those posting frequent self-help or boastful content, could benefit from a touch of graphophobia to improve their writing quality. The article concludes by inviting writers who do not suffer from this phobia to engage with the content by writing a response.

Opinions

The author implies that the fear of writing, graphophobia, is a significant hindrance for some individuals, potentially more daunting than undergoing a root canal.
There is a perception that the fear of writing can stem from various sources, including the fear of judgment on one's writing style or content.
The article takes a light-hearted jab at certain Medium writers, suggesting that their content could improve if they were more cautious about what they publish, akin to having a mild form of graphophobia.
The author is empathetic towards those with graphophobia, acknowledging it as a treatable condition and encouraging affected individuals to seek professional help.
By inviting readers to respond, the author seems to foster a supportive community for writers on Medium, particularly for those who do not suffer from an abnormal fear of writing.

Graphophobia!

Is Writing Scary?

The fear of writing is known as graphobobia.

“Someone suffering from this condition,” according to The Encyclopedia of Phobias, Fears and Anxieties, “can expect to experience a very high amount of anxiety from merely thinking of writing, let alone actually doing it.”

A person like this would probably rather have a root canal than be forced to start writing on Medium. (Unless, of course, they suffered from dentophobia.)

So what are graphophobes afraid of?

Some people fear being observed by others as they write.

Some fear that others will criticize their posture as they write.

Some fear that others will criticize their handwriting!

Some fear writing anything at any time ever because they don’t want to commit their ideas to paper for others to see.

How can you tell if you have graphophobia?

One website suggests that you answer these four diagnostic questions:

At the mere mention of writing, do you develop nausea?

Do you instantly get dry mouth and moist palms?

Does your heart rate instantly skyrocket?

Do your legs turn to rubber?

If you answered yes to all (or most) of these questions?

You may well have an abnormal fear of writing.

The good news?

Graphophobia is a social phobia and is treatable.

So if you’ve joined Medium because you want to write — but are way too anxious to actually start writing?

Ask your therapist about Graphophobia.

Of course, certain Medium writers — the twice-daily self-help blather posters, the “I made zillions of dollars this month” boasters and, of course, the trolls — could probably do with a little more Graphophobia.

It might even start suggesting that when I comment on their posts:

Hey! Loved reading tips about how to Master Medium from a writer who has only been on the platform a week. Please look into Graphophobia and see if you can make it work for you!

I couldn’t help but notice that this post is just a rehash mismash of all of the other self-help posts on Medium. Before you pen your next post, I’d recommend a little Graphophobia.

I am not without irrational fears, but I don’t suffer from Graphophobia. Far from it. And if you don’t either? Feel free to write a response to this post.

( Writing Coach and Medium Sherpa Roz Warren writes for everyone from the Funny Times to the New York Times.)

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