The effects of “phubbing” on social interaction

TLDR

The study experimentally examined how phubbing, the act of ignoring someone by focusing on a mobile phone, affects social interactions. Participants imagined themselves in a dyadic conversation while their partner either phubbed extensively, partially, or not at all during a three‑minute animation. Greater phubbing lowered perceived communication quality and relationship satisfaction, effects mediated by reduced belongingness and altered affect, underscoring phubbing as a significant modern social phenomenon.

Abstract

Abstract This research experimentally investigated the social consequences of “phubbing” – the act of snubbing someone in a social setting by concentrating on one's mobile phone. Participants viewed a three‐minute animation in which they imagined themselves as part of a dyadic conversation. Their communication partner either phubbed them extensively, partially, or not at all. Results revealed that increased phubbing significantly and negatively affected perceived communication quality and relationship satisfaction. These effects were mediated by reduced feelings of belongingness and both positive and negative affect. This research underlines the importance of phubbing as a modern social phenomenon to be further investigated.