Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
06:41
Assessment of Social Interaction Behaviors
Published on: February 25, 2011
Digital disconnection: A systematic review of phubbing behavior
Madhu Jakhar1, Rajnish Kumar Gupta1, Dev Vyas1
1Department of Psychology, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur, India.
Acta Psychologica
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Phubbing, or phone snubbing, negatively impacts relationships and well-being. Problematic technology use and psychological factors predict phubbing, which harms relational quality and increases loneliness.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Communication Studies
Background:
- Phubbing (phone snubbing) is a prevalent behavior in face-to-face interactions.
- It has significant psychological and relational implications across various social settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review empirical research on the antecedents, consequences, and mechanisms of phubbing.
- To synthesize findings from the past decade across diverse social contexts.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.
- Comprehensive literature search of the ScienceDirect database.
- Analysis of 22 peer-reviewed studies.
Main Results:
- Problematic smartphone/social media use and psychological vulnerabilities (e.g., FOMO, attachment anxiety) predict phubbing.
- Phubbing reduces relational quality (intimacy, satisfaction, trust) and increases conflict.
- Perceptions of being phubbed are more damaging than the behavior itself; associated with loneliness, depression, and maladaptive technology use.
Conclusions:
- Phubbing has detrimental effects on interpersonal relationships and individual well-being.
- The behavior is cyclical and intergenerational, reinforcing digital dependency.
- Future research and interventions should focus on digital etiquette, mindful use, and relational resilience.
Related Concept Videos
00:57Deindividuation
Deindividuation is a form of social influence on an individual’s behavior such that the individual engages in unusual or non-normal behavior while in a group setting. Why? Because in these group settings, the individual no longer sees themselves as an individual anymore, disinhibiting their behavior and personal restraint.
01:04Social Facilitation
Not all intergroup interactions lead to negative outcomes. Sometimes, being in a group situation can improve performance. Social facilitation occurs when an individual performs better when an audience is watching than when the individual performs the behavior alone. This typically occurs when people are performing a task for which they are skilled.
02:12Relationship Formation
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
02:45Self-Discrepancy Theory
One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
01:22Factors Influencing Attraction I: Proximity
Proximity plays a fundamental role in shaping interpersonal attraction by increasing opportunities for interaction and fostering familiarity. Research consistently demonstrates that individuals are more likely to form social bonds with those who are physically closer to them, whether in residential settings, workplaces, or educational institutions. This effect is largely driven by the increased frequency of encounters, which facilitates the development of friendships and romantic...
00:52Social Proof
Social proof is a form of persuasion based on comparison and conformity. People compare their behavior and actions to what others are doing and will change to conform to do what their peers do.