Have you ever gone on a date with someone who looked more interested in their phone than you? You could be in the middle of a funny story when—BAM!—they start scrolling Instagram, checking notifications, or texting. That’s phubbing (phone snubbing), and it is slowly ruining modern dating.

Whether you are the one experiencing emotional neglect or the one participating in it, this trend is slowly taking away our ability to have real connections. Don’t worry, we’ll break it all down for you! What is phubbing? How did phubbing become part of the dating norm? And probably one of the most important questions, how do you stop it from ruining your next date? Let’s get started. 

Credit: Freepik

What is phubbing?

Well, phubbing typically refers to the act of someone choosing their phone over the individual with whom they’re interacting.

It is the prioritizing of texting or notifications (or social scrolling) over a real-life conversation. Phubbing is discreet—sometimes even mistaken as harmless—but it communicates a clear message, “What’s on my phone is more important than you, at this moment.”

The worst part? Phubbing has now become a part of modern dating culture. Even though research says it is reflexive to check your phone if you feel your date is “boring” or lacking interest. 

Still, Phubbing is problematic to the dating experience because even if checking your phone is instinctual, it makes real-life communication one-sided. 

The truth is that It doesn’t even feel rude at the moment.

But trust us, on the receiving end, it feels like you’re being benched for a screen. 

How has the phubbing trend taken over dating?

Phones have become our go-to for everything—entertainment, validation, even avoiding awkward silences. It’s no surprise that they’ve worked their way into our relationships too.
What's taking too long to arrive? Scroll TikTok. 

The issue with this tic and distraction is that what starts as a harmless diversion can quickly turn into a nuisance. Dating has shifted from actually exploring getting to know someone, to often taking place with the annoying background noise of buzzing notifications and disjointed engagement. 

Using phone is ruining your relationship.

(Credit: Freepik)

How to stop phubbing

Feel a little called out? No worries - here are ways for you to stop phubbing:

- Create a no-phone zone: When you start dating someone, you can keep your phone face down or in your bag. Out of sight, out of mind.

- Engage in real engagement:  Eye contact, listening, conversations - that's what dating is about right? Not scrolling your phone while someone is talking.S

- Self-check: If you are grabbing for your phone involuntary check-in with yourself. Ask yourself - do I really need to check my phone right this moment? (I promise you, you don't need to check.)

- Call it out (with love): If your date keeps reaching for their phone, don't hesitate to bring it up - sometimes people don't realize they are phubbing.

The best dates happen off-screen, anyway. So, the next time you're out with someone, do something crazy—be all there. No notifications, no distractions, just genuine connection. Wild idea, huh?