In recent years, divorce rates have significantly increased worldwide, along with rising conflicts between couples.
Scientists have identified a major reason behind this trend: excessive use of mobile phones.
When a person spends more time engrossed in their phone rather than focusing on their spouse, it is referred to as Phubbing (a combination of “phone” and “snubbing”).
Several studies have been conducted on this habit and its impact on relationships.
A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology highlights the destructive consequences of this behavior.
According to the research, if you are scrolling through your phone at the dinner table or during a pleasant moment, you should not be surprised if your relationship suffers.
At first glance, Phubbing may seem harmless—like checking text messages or casually scrolling—without realizing that it makes the spouse feel ignored.
Over time, constantly being immersed in a phone can emotionally hurt a spouse and negatively affect the relationship.
The study states that although this habit does not involve physical harm, it is still a form of aggression that can emotionally damage a relationship.
Neglected partners often feel rejected, leading to increased frustration and passive-aggressive behavior, such as making hurtful comments or taking actions that strain the relationship.
Men and women react differently to Phubbing.
When a husband ignores his wife due to phone use, the wife feels less loved, which leads to actions that further deteriorate the relationship.
In contrast, when a husband feels ignored by his wife due to her phone use, he may also experience frustration, but his response is generally less severe.
A previous study conducted in October 2023 by Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University in Turkey found that excessive smartphone use makes a spouse feel unimportant.
This study included 712 married couples, with an average age of 37.
Researchers examined the connection between phone addiction and relationship satisfaction.
Participants answered questionnaires assessing their mental health, communication skills, and smartphone dependency.
The findings revealed that the more time a husband or wife spends on their phone, the more their relationship suffers.
While Phubbing has become somewhat socially accepted, the study concludes that it remains a destructive habit for married couples.
Researchers emphasized that feeling ignored is deeply unsettling for individuals, leading to increased conflicts between couples as they feel their partner is not meeting their expectations.
