Los Angeles (CA) - A new study suggests that more than two thirds of American cell phone users have heard their phone ringing when no one was calling.

Scientists call the phenomenon "phantom ringing". In a study conducted by the Alliant International University, 67% of participants reported hearing their cell phone ring or vibrate in a situation where there was no incoming call or text message.

The study, which included adults aged 18 to 86, also showed that people are increasingly dependent on their cell phones to maintain social connections and to regulate their mood. The rising level of dependence has been coined "ringxiety".

The 67% who experienced phantom ringing, on average, talked more and sent a greater number of text messages per month than those who did not. The affected group was also made up of younger participants.

The study also found that people who spent more time text messaging than actually talking were more likely to experience loneliness and anxiety.