New research reveals that digital distractions are a major obstacle for modern couples. A study found that phone snubbing, or phubbing, is common in relationships, causing partners to feel ignored and unimportant. Many adults reported feeling hurt when their partners engage with their phones during conversations. Furthermore, social media can ignite conflicts over online interactions, jealousy, and privacy concerns. Participants noted lower relationship satisfaction linked to these behaviors, emphasizing how technology can undermine emotional connections in romantic relationships.
"I have to repeat myself because he's scrolling Instagram. It makes me feel invisible," one participant of the 2025 study mentioned.
"I was telling him about a work issue and pouring my heart out, and he was scrolling through Twitter," another participant shared.
Partner phubbing is associated with lower relationship satisfaction and the perception of lower relationship quality, according to a 2022 study published in Psychological Reports.
Couples reported arguing over liking other people's posts, jealousy over shared online history with exes, or disagreements over what to post about their relationship.
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