The psychology of phubbing: Social disconnection in a hyperconnected world

Abstract

The Psychology of Phubbing: Social Disconnection in a Hyperconnected World is an in-depth analysis of phubbing, a behaviour that has become pervasive in modern life as individuals increasingly prioritize smartphone use over physical engagement with those around them. This book investigates the origins, psychological roots, and far-reaching consequences of phubbing, emphasizing how technological intrusion has fundamentally reshaped interpersonal communication. The exploration begins by tracing phubbing’s development, a term coined in Australia in 2012 by the “Stop Phubbing” campaign, which was aimed at addressing the growing trend of neglecting others in favor of mobile devices. Through a blend of linguistic innovation and social awareness, this campaign shed light on the behaviour now known as phubbing, where “phone” and “snubbing” combine to capture the act of ignoring someone in favor of a smartphone. This behaviour has since rapidly permeated diverse social contexts, becoming increasingly common across age groups and cultures, and raising concerns about its impact on communication quality