Phubbing: The Modern Epidemic Disrupting Personal Relationships and Education

Exploring the Origins, Impacts, and Possible Regulations of Smartphone Use.

Photo by Wyron A on Unsplash

In an age of ubiquitous smartphones, a new term has emerged and already has been widely accepted to describe a common yet problematic behaviour: phubbing. Coined from the words "phone" and "snubbing," phubbing refers to the act of ignoring someone in favour of engaging with a smartphone. This newsletter delves into the word's origins, its impact on personal relationships and social life, the recent trend of prohibiting phones in schools, and whether smartphones could face regulations similar to those imposed on cigarettes.

The Origin and Impact of Phubbing

Phubbing originated in 2012 as part of a campaign by an Australian advertising agency to describe the growing trend of people ignoring their companions in favour of their phones. This behaviour has far-reaching consequences on personal relationships, social interactions, and mental health.