One study published in the National Library of Medicine found that higher levels of emotional neglect at home were linked to increased depressive symptoms at age 18. Conversely, strong social support from peers appeared to reduce those symptoms.
While smartphones have become essential for daily life (serving as alarms, calendars, news sources, and social hubs) Alvord says parents need to recognise when their use is interfering with real-life interactions. “Parents rely on the convenience of smartphones… thus creating a sense of dependence,” she said. “We often hear parents comment that they ‘can’t go anywhere’ without their phone.”
A survey led by Faruk Caner Yam at Gaziosmanpaşa University in Turkey found that partners who were often “phubbed” reported lower satisfaction and poorer perceived relationship quality. “Being too busy with smartphones during a romantic relationship harms satisfaction,” Yam concluded. “It is very important to raise awareness of couples about smartphone use during their relationships.”
In other words, the occasional glance at a notification is one thing, but repeatedly choosing your phone over the person in front of you could send a clear (and hurtful) message, whether it’s to your partner, a friend, or your child.Continue reading…
