Author: Alan Rust
phub·bing
ˈfəbiNG/
noun
the practice of ignoring one's companion or companions in order to pay attention to one's phone or other mobile device.
When you sit down with a friend, your partner or a group you might check your phone. When you get your food you might take pictures before you start eating. It is the social media sharing society we live in. Our phone addiction might be hurting our relationships whether romantic or friendship.
A recent study on how smart phone use impacts on romantic relationships has found that ‘phubbing’ decreases relationship satisfaction overall - especially for people who are already insecure in their relationships - and indirectly impacts depression.
Checking in once after you sit down can be acceptable. However, you don't want to be the person that spends the whole time checking their friend's status online. Try these tips to increase your attention on the person you are with:
Keep your phone in your pocket
Turn you phone upside down on the table
Talk to your partner about an important call or text you might be waiting for
When their is a lull in the conversation, think about asking your companion about their last topic instead of reaching for your phone
