phubbinhg and social connectedness

Investigation of Phubbing and Social Connectedness in Adolescents

Abstract

• Background: The rise of smartphones facilitates ubiquitous socialization through various communication apps.

• Study Objective: Analyze the impact of phubbing on social connectedness among Malaysian adolescents.

• Methods: Quantitative surveys with 568 adolescents and qualitative focus group interviews with 6 participants.

• Findings: Communication disturbance mediates the relationship between phone obsession and familial, school, and self-connectedness, but not friendship connectedness.

• Conclusion: Phubbing behavior predicts social disconnectedness, indicating the need for preventive interventions.

Introduction

• Smartphone Statistics: In 2017, smartphone adoption surpassed 57% globally, projected to reach 77% by 2025.

• Adolescent Usage: Increased usage among adolescents for communication and social networking.

• Addiction Concerns: Similar addiction patterns noted in countries like South Korea; increased troublesome cases reported in Singapore.

• Phubbing Defined: The act of ignoring others to focus on phone use in social settings, linked to mental health issues, low self-esteem, and poor communication.

Literature Review

• Negative Effects of Phone Usage: Studies show heavy phone use negatively affects adolescents' physical and psychological well-being.

• Phubbing Effects: Alters communication behaviors, reduces social cues, and impacts relationships.

• Contrasting Studies: Some research suggests phones can enhance feelings of belonging and social connectedness through platforms like Facebook.

Social Connectedness

• Definition: Refers to a sense of belonging and relatedness, contributing to positive health outcomes and reduced anxiety and depression.

• Adolescent Needs: Strong needs for connections with family, friends, school, and self, warning against potential depression and mood symptoms due to lack of social connectedness.

Methods

• Population: Adolescents aged 13-18 from nine secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

• Sampling: Multi-stage cluster sampling; 568 surveys collected, and 6 selected for interviews based on specific criteria (participants had medium experience with smartphones).

• Phubbing Behavior Measurement: Phubbing Scale (Cronbach's alpha: 0.812) measuring communication disturbance and phone obsession.

• Connectedness Measurement: Hemingway Measure of Adolescent Connectedness (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.835 for familial connectedness, others lower).

Results

• Demographic Profile: Sample of 568 adolescents (234 males, 334 females), average age 15.35 years. Predominantly Chinese ethnicity (74.8%).

• Graphical Representation: Significant relationship between phone obsession and communication disturbance (b = 0.500, P < 0.001).

• Connectedness Outcomes: Communication disturbance negatively affects connectedness to family, school, and self, but not friends.

Mediational Analysis

• Communication Disturbance Mediations:

  • Phone obsession to family connectedness: b = -0.137 (P = 0.002)

  • Phone obsession to school connectedness: b = -0.146 (P = 0.001)

  • Phone obsession to self-connectedness: b = -0.143 (P = 0.001)

Discussion

• Phubbing Behavior Effects: Observed communication disturbances and perceived rudeness among adolescents.

• Disruption of Relationships: Phubbing is viewed by participants as leading to isolation and reducing meaningful interactions.

• Educational Impact: Adverse effects on academic performance noted linked to smartphone distractions.

• Mixed Views on Connectedness: While some noted enhanced online connections, a common feeling of loneliness resulted from in-person interactions disrupted by phone usage.

Conclusion

• Phubbing as a Social Phenomenon: Increasing smartphone usage raises concerns about social connectedness.

• Need for Interventions: Urgency in developing preventive and treatment strategies to combat social disconnectedness due to phubbing.