Why phubbing matters: The impact of phone distractions on relationships

How many times have you been chatting with someone, only to have them pick up their phone and start scrolling?

Or perhaps you’ve been the person who checks your phone while your partner is talking to you.

If this sounds familiar, which I’m sure it does, then you’re either a phubber or you’ve been phubbed.

Phubbing, which is a mashup of “phone” and “snubbing”, is when you ignore someone to pay more attention to your phone.

Don’t feel bad because at some point you've done it yourself without even realising it.

We’ve become so attached to our phones that it’s almost become normal to constantly be checking it.

While phubbing might seem harmless, it does in fact have an impact on relationships. Here’s how phubbing can mess with your relationship.

It makes the person feel unimportant

Imagine you’re pouring your heart out to someone, and they’re clearly more interested in their screen.

Phubbing sends a message that whatever’s happening on your phone is more important than the person right in front of you.

Over time, this can make people feel undervalued, ignored, and even lonely—even if you’re sitting right next to them.

Relationships thrive on connection, and that means being present.

When you’re constantly distracted by your phone, you miss out on those little moments that build intimacy.

Like inside jokes, meaningful eye contact, or just being able to read the other person’s mood.

Phubbing creates a weird emotional distance, even if you’re physically close.

Being phubbed is annoying. And when it happens repeatedly, it can lead to frustration and resentment.

The person on the receiving end might start to feel like they’re competing with your phone for attention.

Over time, this can chip away at the foundation of trust and respect in a relationship.

Phubbing is contagious. If you’re constantly on your phone around others, they’re likely to do the same.

Before you know it, you’re both sitting in silence, scrolling through your respective feeds instead of actually engaging with each other.

It’s a vicious cycle that can turn meaningful interactions into superficial ones.

IOL Lifestyle