Understanding Phubbing: How FoMO, Nomophobia, and Netlessphobia Shape Social Behavior?

Phubbing is a behavior in which individuals engage with their smartphones while in face-to-face communication, exhibiting a dismissive attitude toward the person they are interacting with. This behavior is considered neglectful, rude, and disrespectful. Various underlying social behavioral tendencies may contribute to this conduct. In recent years, emerging technologies, social media, and communication platforms have led individuals to exhibit social behavioral tendencies such as the fear of missing out (FoMO), the fear of being without a mobile phone (Nomophobia), and the fear of being without an internet connection (Netlessphobia). This study aims to examine the predictive power of FoMO, Nomophobia, and Netlessphobia on Phubbing, which is regarded as unacceptable behavior in social settings. In this research, we employed a predictive correlational design, one of the quantitative research methods. 301 university students (79 male, 222 female) participated in the study. Findings indicated a moderate positive significant relationship between Phubbing and FoMO, a moderate-to-high positive considerable relationship between Phubbing and Nomophobia, and a moderate-to-high positive significant relationship between Phubbing and Netlessphobia. Moreover, we found students' behaviors related to Netlessphobia and Nomophobia to be predictors of Phubbing. However, FoMO behaviors did not significantly predict Phubbing. Based on the study results, we provided suggestions for preventive and intervention-based practices and future research.