Photo by SHVETS production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-and-woman-sitting-on-bed-using-digital-tablet-8036947/

How Screens Are Sabotaging Your Relationships and What You Can Do

2024-10-07T20:23:06+00:00

By Blogger 3

Have you ever noticed how often your phone interrupts moments with loved ones? You could be in the middle of a conversation with a friend or trying to enjoy a quiet dinner with your partner, and then you feel this constant urge to check your phone. Unfortunately, this has become the norm, and it’s wreaking havoc on our relationships. As screens dominate more of our attention, they quietly erode the quality of our connections with the people we care about the most.

The Rise of “Phubbing” and Its Consequences

Ever heard of phubbing? It’s a combination of “phone” and “snubbing”, and it describes the act of ignoring someone in favor of your phone. You’ve probably been a victim and the perpetrator of phubbing. Maybe you’re out with friends, and someone keeps looking down at their phone, only half-listening to the conversation. Or perhaps, without realizing it, you’ve been checking notifications while someone is talking to you.Research backs up the idea that phubbing is harming relationships. A study published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior found that 46.3% of participants reported being phubbed by their partner, and 22.6% admitted to being frequent phubbers themselves. The consequences? Lower relationship satisfaction and feelings of neglect, which can breed resentment over time.

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Screens Are Stealing Quality Time

In the digital age, one of the most valuable resources we have is attention. But when your attention is constantly divided between your phones and the people in front of you, it takes a toll on the relationship. You might think you can scroll through Instagram while also catching up with your partner, but research shows that even glancing at your phone during a conversation can make the other person feel less valued.

Parents today are also constantly tethered to their screens, even when they’re physically present with their children. This makes the children frustrated when trying to gain their full attention, and feelings of neglect set in.