The permanent use of smartphones during conversations or face-to-face interactions has become an increasingly widespread phenomenon in everyday life that, despite being more socially accepted every day, is having noticeable effects on the quality of interpersonal bonds.
This was emphasized by Felipe Sánchez, a sociologist and researcher at the Institute of Family Sciences (ICF) at Universidad de los Andes.
This practice, which has been dubbed "phubbing" — a combination of the words phone and snubbing — or ningufoneo in Spanish, affects a basic dimension of social life: presence. As Sánchez explained in an interview with Radio 13C, it is not only about sharing the same physical space, but also about actively participating in each other's lives.
The specialist explained that, beyond the concept, the important thing is to understand that it is a habit "widely spread and often unnoticed, which affects intimate spaces in particular, such as the family and the couple."
Family "Presence" at Risk
From a sociological perspective, Sánchez warns that the impact of the "phubbing" is especially acute in older adults, for whom face-to-face encounters are of central value, and in young children, whose emotional security is built on eye contact, tone of voice, and the affective availability of their parents, siblings, or caregivers.
Sánchez noted that the lack of sustained parental attention during smartphone use interferes with the development of attachment and with the emotional validation of children: "When a child tries to get someone's attention and gets no response, the experience can be felt as rejection," he said during the interview.
"The primary form of showing regard for a person is to pay attention to them," said the ICF researcher. "When the phone systematically interrupts this basic act, the behavior can be interpreted as disinterest or dismissiveness, especially on significant dates such as Christmas or New Year's, when there is a greater expectation of family togetherness," added Sánchez.
The ICF researcher also emphasized that "phubbing" has consequences for couples as well. "Communication is a fundamental element for relationship stability, and this practice erodes it," he said, adding that persistent disconnection fuels conflict, resentment, and feelings of loneliness.
Toward Healthy Digital Coexistence
Felipe Sánchez noted that breaking the habit of constantly checking the phone while in someone's company is not easy, due to the addictive component associated with the immediate gratification provided by mobile applications.
For this reason, he proposes working toward agreements within a couple, family, or friend group — such as establishing phone-free moments at the dinner table or at family gatherings, discussing with one's family or partner how we feel when this behavior occurs, or building habits that prioritize presence and active listening.
"It's not about demonizing technology, but about using it without compromising the quality of our relationships," he said.
The ICF researcher concluded by noting that simply talking about the topic is an important first step, as knowing the concept allows us to identify the behavior, raise awareness, and promote responsible digital coexistence, placing the dignity and value of the person in front of us at the center.
