In the past four years, the number of 'nomophobes' had risen from 54 to 66 per cent of people. Photo / Thinkstock
In the past four years, the number of 'nomophobes' had risen from 54 to 66 per cent of people. Photo / Thinkstock
Two in three mobile users are terrified of being without their phone, a study has shown. Researchers found the number suffering from "nomophobia" - or a fear of being separated from their mobile - had risen from 53 to 66 per cent in the past four years.
Young adults suffer themost, according to the study 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, SecurEnvoy co-founder and chief technology officer, said nomophobia "shows no sign of abating". He said: "[In 2008] it was men that were more afflicted yet today itÕs women."
He added: "What this study highlights is the extent people now rely on their mobile phones."
