No doubt, cell phones have become a necessity in today's world. But, a large number of Britons are now suffering from “nomophobia” — the fear of being separated from their mobile, says a new study.

Researchers have found that two in three mobile users are terrified of being without their phone and the number has actually risen from 53 to 66 per cent in the past four years, the Daily Mail reported. Young adults suffer the most, according to the study based on a survey of 1,000 employees.

Among those aged 18 to 24, 77 per cent were nomophobic.

By comparison, 62 per cent of those aged 55 and over fear losing their phones, while 59 per cent of 35 to 44-year-olds were found to be nomophobic.

The study, commissioned by SecurEnvoy, revealed that women worried about losing their phones more than men — 70 per cent of the women surveyed were nomophobic, compared with 61 per cent of the men.

And 41 per cent of those polled had two phones or more in an effort to stay connected. When asked if they'd be upset if a partner looked at the messages and texts on their phone, almost half said that they would. Andy Kemshall of SecurEnvoy said: “The first study into nomophobia, conducted four years ago, revealed that 53 per cent of people suffered from the condition and our study reveals this has now risen to 66 per cent in the UK and shows no sign of abating.”

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