Just started playing Death Stranding and the main character has it! Although the game calls it aphenphosmphobia. And I'm not sure it's a phobia, since it's a very rational fear for him.

I also dislike being touched, and I'm glad to have a word for it. Previously I just used the word autism, which is more accurate, but less specific.

That you would admit to not knowing this is so humble, I'm touched- AAAAAH

Yes, and as an officially verified autist, I think self-diagnosis is valid. Testing is expensive and isn't worth it for everyone.

This knowledge is touching, I'm afraid.

Where is the line between a phobia and not liking something? I also don't like to be touched, I prefer not to be touched but I’m not “afraid” of being touched.

That depends. These days, much of the time when people call something a "phobia" they really just mean "mildly dislike".

Phobias are irrational and excessive fear responses to various things. They are often very extreme and can be life-disrupting for the people that have them, depending on what the phobia is. A phobia for an everyday occurrence can really screw up someone's life and require extensive help to overcome it so they can improve their quality of life.

I agree that people really throw the word phobia around. Like OCD, you probably don’t have OCD if you like straight lines and symmetry, everyone likes those things.

Real OCD is a problem.

Both terms are correct. There are a couple names.

Haphephobia is the easiest to pronounce though.

In the game we never really see Sam properly experience it. He just kinda pulls away from Deadman a little and he goes "oh you have a phobia".

The scene where they both cram into the shower to talk about BB should have had Sam on the floor in a fetal position.

But it doesn't. Several characters touch or go to touch Sam and he never reacts with more than an unspoken "pls no".

It means more than just excessive fear. I have agoraphobia. It doesn’t cause panic attacks, it causes a shutdown for me and stresses me out if I know I have to go somewhere. I won’t be hyperventilating, but I will be struggling for force myself to Do The Thing.

For me, the agoraphobia is closer to the second meaning here.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phobia

I don't fucking know, I was a child when I got diagnosed.

I dislike being touched and I react the same way as Sam does. It sucks and kinda hurts because of the overstimulation, but it doesn't debilitate Me. Just makes life a bit harder. My partners are very kind and ask permission before touching Me for intimate times.