Nomophobia is a term used to describe the growing fear that results from the modern way of life, which is the fear of losing a cell phone or being left without a signal - meaning the loss of contact that is normally made possible through cell phones and computers. What causes a feeling of fear and anxiety is that in the event of the loss of a cell phone, communication is not possible, connectivity and access to information are lost, and that this is ultimately impractical. This fear includes the fear of losing a cell phone, breaking it, stealing, or losing a signal.

The term nomophobia stands for “no-mobile-phone phobia” and was coined in 2010 during a study conducted in the UK. It is believed that this "phobia" is based on more serious conditions and disorders. There is marked anxiety at the possibility of losing a cell phone or contact. Underlying is a person’s fear that she might get sick or not feel well without being able to get help at that point.

The study found that almost 53% of people who use a mobile phone in Britain become anxious when they lose their mobile phone, when their battery runs out or their voucher expires or they do not have a signal. About 58% of men and 47% of women suffer from this phobia, and an additional 9% of people are stressed when their cell phones are turned off. The study included 2163 people, and 55% of respondents cite maintaining contact with friends or family as the main reason for the need for a mobile phone, which makes them anxious when they cannot use their mobile phones. The study compares this level of stress with the level of stress in "nervousness the day before the wedding" or going to the dentist.

Research shows that as part of nomophobia, some people experience feelings of anxiety or suffering when they do not have their cell phone and the level of cell phone dependence to perform basic tasks and meet important needs (learning, security and contact with other people and information sources).

Some of the signs that indicate this disorder are, for example: inability to turn off your cell phone at all, obsessive checking for missed calls, emails or text messages, constantly recharging the battery and always carrying your cell phone with you (even when we go to the bathroom).

In particular, smartphones have become a significant means of organizing everyday life (calendars, navigation, communicating with others, seeking answers to various questions, etc.). One of the important psychological consequences is the impact on transactive memory. Namely, when we have a reliable external source of information on a particular topic, it reduces our motivation and ability to adopt and retain knowledge on a particular topic.

In the treatment of people with nomophobia, as in the treatment of other addictions, various psychotherapeutic techniques are usually used in addition to possible medications.