The pervasiveness of being digitally connected at all times has an impact on our personal wellbeing. Now, a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology suggests smartphones can be harmful in many ways, including at work.

Researchers looked at “phubbing”, a term derived from the contraction of “phone” and “snub”. It refers to the act of ignoring the people around because you’re paying attention to a screen.

This is said to be particularly widespread among couples, which can, of course, create tension. “Phone usage erodes the connection between couples and hinders their capacity to discuss and address stresses and concerns playing on their mind,” study co-author Yasin Rofcanin said.

But the experts found that the effects of phubbing are not limited to the personal, intimate sphere. Having analysed two weeks’ worth of behaviours among 65 American heterosexual couples with children, with both individuals in full-time employment, they found that smartphones prevent spouses from supporting each other in maintaining a healthy balance between their family and professional responsibilities.

Women, especially, are often saddled with unequal division of domestic tasks – and it takes a toll if they can’t talk to their partner because they’re too busy scrolling endlessly on their phone.

Both men and women agree that the smartphone interferes in their married life a bit too much. Six out of 10 French people, for instance, feel their partner spends too much time on their cell phone, according to a January 2021 survey.

A quarter of the 1,000 respondents admitted to checking their smartphone notifications when they woke up, even before saying hello to their partner.

This distancing is detrimental both romantically and professionally. In fact, Rofcanin and colleagues have observed that women whose partners engage in “phubbing” at home are less creative at work, and are less likely to adapt their job descriptions to their ambitions and wishes than those who enjoy their partner’s full attention at home.

Couples, therefore, are advised to make sure they take the time to spend phone-free moments together to protect their connection and sense of togetherness. Smartphones can be an incredible tool for finding out more about the world and others – as long as one’s eyes are not permanently glued to the screen.