To "phub" is to snub someone in favor of a phone—specifically, a smartphone. This term is actually important, as it is currently "ruining" relationships, according to James A. Roberts of Baylor University, who wrote about his recent research on "phubbing" in Quartz Monday.
Roberts conducted a study that asked 175 people in relationships questions about their partners' smartphone use and their own relationship satisfaction. The study showed that those who were getting "phubbed" reported more conflict over smartphone usage and lower satisfaction, both in relationships and in life. "We found that smartphones are real relationship downers—up there with money, sex, and kids," which also put couples through the wringer, Roberts said.
In the end, those receiving the "phubbing" were also more likely to report being depressed. This indirect connection between smartphones and reported mental state is perhaps the most significant. One way or another, the distraction of a smartphone is a fun, new way to sabotage a relationship. Isn't technology great?
