Cell phones are an invaluable technology that has fundamentally changed the way we communicate and get information. But as with anything good, too much of it can lead to problems. A growing body of research is highlighting the various drawbacks of overusing cell phones and other mobile devices, including—ironically—the fact that all this communication technology is actually pulling us farther apart and negatively affecting our interpersonal relationships.
One increasingly-talked-about downside to constantly being attached to a cell phone is phubbing, or “phone snubbing,” a trend that is unfortunately on the rise. Phubbing is basically defined as looking at a cell phone rather than interacting with the person you are with, and research shows that it can damage your relationship with your romantic partner and may also harm your bond with your kids.
Overusing cell phones and cell phone addiction are the compulsive companions to phubbing, and like phubbing, they are increasingly becoming problems for more and more people. Being constantly attached to our cell phones is taking a toll, not just on our relationships but on our mental and emotional well-being, affecting our overall health.
Signs that your partner is addicted to their Smartphone
– You get ignored: Talking to them is like talking to a wall as they are so zoned out in their phone that they ignore you. And it’s not like they purposely do it, it’s just the extent of their Smartphone addiction.
– Your partner is easily distracted: It’s tough to get your partner’s attention as they are always distracted: they can’t properly pay attention to you. As a result, intimacy in the relationship suffers.
– Your partner gets anxious without their phone: Without their phone, they are like a fish without water, they get anxious.
Ways to deal with the problem
– A non-confrontational conversation: By being confrontational or judgmental towards partner, you will worsen the situation. Empathize and try to make them self-aware about how their Smartphone addiction is ruining the relationship.
– Create gadget free zone and time: Addiction doesn’t go away in an instant, it takes time. Therefore, creating gadget free zones in the house and gadget free time, where you and your partner converse in the absence of cell phone is imperative.
– Get help: If the above two don’t help then your partner has got a serious problem and needs professional help.