The word 'Phubbing' has it’s origin dating back to the year 2012. It is a combination of two words 'phone' and 'snubbing'; and by way of definition it implies 'the act of snubbing someone in a social setting by paying attention to the phone rather than the person. We are no strangers to this phenomenon and have been leading our lives, adjusting to socially awkward behaviours as the new normal with the of advent of smartphones.

Let’s admit it, on many occasions we all have been through this state where we find ourselves ignored. The closeness, attachment and quality of conversation has declined between individuals.

Even though the polite purpose of technology  and various social media apps was to connect more and more people across the globe, unfortunately the motive got twisted and today this very technology and human interaction are at odds. Increasing usage of remote connection has led to an acquired sense of fulfilment of self through online sources. Our lives have turned into an open book for everyone to read.

What have we gained through all this?

Privacy Gone.

Emotions Unattended.

One-to-One Interaction Nearly Dead.

Relationships at Loggerheads.

Here, we boast of the burgeoning numbers of digital friends on our many social media accounts. But have we questioned ourselves, if that is of any relevance in our lives personally? Are we seeking contentment with the numbers of likes, and comments on our posts?

Is the validation given online, the assurance of our self-worth?

These trends have only resulted in increased mental tensions, emptiness in our hearts and mind and in a life full of pretences. The sole purpose of technology which was designed to bring individuals together, has isolated us from the very same people.

Have we become so insensitive that we fail to understand how our continuous engagement with the smartphone, than with the person who is with us, is utterly disrespectful. We are in a state of constant distraction from real life interactions. There has been a significant decline in the satisfaction levels we used to gain from face-to-face conversations. Despite gaining friends in mammoth percentages digitally, we are heading more towards loneliness and depression. The quality time spend with our loved ones is in question. Phubbing related behaviours has engulfed pertinent reasons of existence as a family and as an individual in various social roles.

We are  disregarding our one-on-one relationships within and outside the confinement of our homes to avoid difficult conversation and uncomfortable reactions. The heightened need for attention and to gain a sense of inclusion, is resulting in actual physical pain in the brain. We are losing on being empathetic with the people around us. The very essence and key to mental health is being eroded.

In the process towards becoming more likeable online, our internal peace is crumbled. There is a deep vacuum inside. We pretend to appear the happiest person online, ironically we have turned low-spirited and gloomy internally. In the visible and progressive trend to gain all the recognition. It’s being predicted that our interpersonal interactions will sooner or later become obsolete. In the hunger and greed to have it all and to acquire appreciation, we have pushed ourselves to the brink of atrophying our real world relations.

A practitioner and believer personally that I am, of authentic and real time communication with people around me, renders deep emotional connect with people and soothes the soul. If we fathom the long term consequences of compromising on the emotional and mental health, due to our addiction to technology we should be very scared of the results ahead.

Whatever we feel inside is incongruent with how we act with others. We will not be committing a crime by being genuine, vulnerable and or compassionate. The toughest part is to be someone, whom we don’t have to oblige. Once we are inherently frustrated with the masks put on, it would be difficult to even stay true to our true selves.

Take charge before it’s too late to reverse. Enable a technology-free zone or atleast minimal indulgence on internet around you when you are through with your work. It will reap benefits for you in the long run.