What is ‘phubbing’ and why do we need to know about it? 

There's a new word back on the scene, and we’re not sure how personally victimised we should feel about it. ‘Phubbing’ has made its way around the world once again, and if it isn’t clear enough in the title, it stands for the act of ‘phone snubbing.’ Particularly used in scenarios where you should be winding down with your partner, whether on the couch with a vino in hand, chatting about your day or simply just watching a film together, phubbing is finding reprieve in your own phone and its endless content instead of giving your significant other the time of day, and we’ve all been there. But why is it such a crime? And why does it deserve its own title?

Via @pinterest

We’re all aware of the detriments of our cellular devices and also the surmountable time spent on our phones each day (when our weekly user rate comes in, we tend to look away), but I know we also ask ourselves why it’s such a crime to wind down with a good TikTok session. Ever since the battle of Covid-19 and the years of lockdown, our ‘human touch’ has become somewhat lost or popped on the back burner as it was our norm for 3.5 years, but finding comfort in the simple act of ‘chilling’ is essential. The terrifying amount of hours spent behind the screen has only increased since 2020 and its continuous lockdown content, flashbacks to us in our rooms desperately searching for entertainment and a slice of the outside. We took comfort in other people’s lives and the fact that we were all going through the same thing, together. 

Breaking a cycle like that can prove difficult, and as we grow older and the world of technology only gets bigger and better, it’s even harder to click the lock button. Maybe sometimes when you do manage to turn it off, you hear a ‘ping’ and it’s go-time all over again. This is where we know that there’s a problem – switching off for the night and enjoying your partner's company only makes sense, right? Phubbing is outwardly snubbing someone who is there to spend time with you, and nobody appreciates that, especially if it was vice-versa. The overall concept of phone etiquette is something that you, me, and everyone else on social media have pondered over. It’s safe to say that going on your phone during a dinner date (or breakfast, or lunch) is a big no-no, but the line drawn outside of the obvious is somewhat blurry. The main question is if you’re on your phone whilst with someone, are you really present? 

Via @pinterest

Introducing no phone nights, or even better, leaving your phone in the bedroom whilst you lounge on the couch is the best way forward, ensuring your attention is present. If your mind wanders to questioning how many notifications you’ve gotten in the past twenty minutes, make a tea and get on with your night. Phubbing is a total cock block of chemistry - let’s channel the ways of our grandparents and sip a pint or two with conversation as our only complex.