Relationship distraction from smartphone use

THERE is a widespread behaviour quietly eroding the quality of our relationships: phubbing.

Phubbing, a blend of “phone” and “snubbing,” is the act of ignoring someone in a social setting while focusing on one’s mobile phone.

It’s a habit many of us have, and one many of us have experienced. Put simply, phubbing is like trying to have a meaningful conversation with someone who keeps glancing at a television in the background.

You are physically together, but their attention is elsewhere.

The message is clear: whatever is on this screen matters more than you do.

This isn’t a trivial issue of etiquette. The Hand Phone Users Survey 2022 by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) shows that smartphone use has reached 98.7% among Malaysians.

Our devices are woven into daily life, but constant connectivity comes at a cost.

My recent bibliometric study, published in Human Behaviour and Emerging Technologies, synthesised a decade of global research on this topic, and the findings are consistent.

Phubbing reduces relationship satisfaction, strains family bonds, and increases loneliness and depression among those who are ignored.

When parents often phub their children, they may even model addictive screen habits for the next generation.

The MCMC’s long-standing “Klik Dengan Bijak” (Click Wisely) campaign reminds us to be responsible digital citizens online.

I believe this wisdom should extend to our offline lives as well. It is time we practise presence as much as we practise online safety.

This is not a call to abandon technology but a reminder to be mindful. Let’s put our phones down during meals, give our full attention when children tell us about their day, and truly listen to our friends and partners.

Digital connections matter, but they should never replace the human connections right in front of us.

DR JIA YUIN FAM

School of Psychology,

Sunway University