Today’s society is constantly plugged in; televisions broadcast news and entertainment programs in restaurants, cars are equipped with hands-free texting and calls, watches have more computer technology than NASA when they landed on the moon and practically everyone has a laptop or smartphone, if not both. Although it might seem like a bit too much, an abundance of technology is not necessarily a bad thing. People stay informed, and are thus inherently safer, with the aid that microchips, Wi-Fi signals and text alerts provide.
However, despite advantages, it is arguable that the negative aspects greatly outweigh the positives, especially where the need for natural human connection is concerned. Thus, a new, annoying phenomenon is sweeping the nation; phubbing.
Phub, n. Snubbing someone in favor of your mobile phone.
We’ve all been there. You’re out having an enjoyable evening with your group of friends, your significant other, maybe even your family. There’s a lull in the conversation, or perhaps the conversation is still going strong. Whatever the situation, if what is being said or done is not completely and totally enthralling, someone will more than likely make the presence of their phone known. It’s unattractive, rude and impolite. But, heck, you’ve probably even done it yourself.
Although the urge is understandable (Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat are all quite addicting), it is, ultimately, best if everyone keeps their phubbing to a minimum. Imagine being on a dinner date with your SO; you haven’t spent some quality time together in a while, and you are really looking forward to eating some yummy food and hearing about their life. Then, just as you’re about to speak, they whip it out. Not the good kind of whipping it out, either. The bad kind; the phone-in-hand-and-you-feel-less-important-than-a-Snap-Story kind. Although it’s probably harmless, the implication that you are not a priority is definitely there.
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