Converting smartphone interference into favorable consequences for social interactions: the “resisting phubbing” phenomenon

Research has underscored the detrimental effects of phubbing. Nevertheless, attempts at identifying alternative actions are lacking. The present research introduced 'resisting phubbing', actively avoiding phubbing to continue the in-person interaction with the individuals involved. Study 1 (N = 246) employed short videos to assess the effect of inclusion, phubbing, and resisting phubbing on interpersonal connection, social exclusion, and social perception. Phubbing yielded the most adverse outcomes, followed by inclusion and resisting phubbing, which showed the most favorable. Study 2 (N = 291) additionally examined the influence of social status on these behaviors. While Study 1 results were replicated, the effect of social status remained inconclusive. Our studies emphasize the relevance of resisting phubbing as a beneficial strategy to overcome smartphone interference during in-person interactions.