Antecedents of phubbing: from technological and psychological perspectives

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify the factors responsible for phubbing (PHU) from technological and psychological aspects.Design/methodology/approachFrom the literature review, some hypotheses have been formulated and a conceptual model has been developed. The model has been validated and the hypotheses have been tested by a statistical approach using a survey with involvement of 302 useable responses. The responses have been quantified and thereafter detailed statistical analysis has been adopted to verify the conceptual model and the hypotheses.FindingsSmartphone addiction (SPA) is the principle component that is responsible for PHU, which is also the goal of the study.Research limitations/implicationsThe study highlights that unless SPA behavior of individuals is reduced; it is not possible to control PHU behavior. For restricting SPA, self-control of the users of smartphone is necessary. Besides, imposition of appropriate rules and regulations can check the menace of SPA that in turn would control PHU.Practical implicationsPractitioners are to arrange to reduce SPA of people. The users are to be made known regarding the dark sides of SPA responsible for PHU. Besides, practitioners should conduct awareness programs to keep the users apprised regarding menace of SPA and PHU. Practitioners should arrange to execute consistently regulatory restrictions to control SPA. This would also be able to control individuals to exhibit PHU behavior.Social implicationsPHU inhibits quality of interpersonal communication. It lowers the esteem and exhibits negative relationship satisfaction among the interacting parties. PHU creates ostracism. Identification of factors responsible for PHU would help to provide a solution to check PHU.Originality/valueNot much research on this issue is known to have taken place. In this regard, this attempt should be deemed to be a novel attempt.