So, how can you know if your phone is having a detrimental impact on your interpersonal relationships?
You Find Yourself Constantly Distracted By Your Phone
The most obvious evidence that your phone is causing problems in your relationships is that you are always preoccupied by it, even when you are with people. Do you find yourself having text chats or scrolling through social media with your friends on a daily basis? Are you always asking individuals to repeat themselves because you didn't hear what they said the first time? Do you get lost when people are chatting because you're focusing on your phone and your friends?
If that's the case, your phone is undoubtedly ruining your relationships. It prevents you from forming the kinds of meaningful connections that enrich the human experience.
In order to get your attention, someone must “interrupt” you.
Another indicator that your phone is wreaking havoc on your relationships is when people feel compelled to “interrupt” you only to obtain your attention. In other words, you spend so much time on your phone that you don't have time or space for deep, meaningful discussions with others. They can only genuinely capture your attention if they "disrupt" you.
Others make remark about how much time you spend on your phone.
It's not a good sign if others often comment on how much time you spend on your phone. It's a sign that you're most likely phubbing them. They are offended by your activities, and they communicate their dissatisfaction by making comments about your phone usage.
Consider asking someone if they think you've been ignoring them in favor of your phone if they make a comment about how much time you spend on your phone.
You Have Difficulties Engaging in In-Depth Conversations
Life is incomplete without deep, meaningful interactions. They allow us to form genuine friendships with people that go beyond the superficial. Unfortunately, our phones make it harder to have these kinds of in-depth, heartfelt discussions. We must be able to devote our full attention to a person for a lengthy amount of time in order to have a profound conversation. We must be able to listen intently and respond appropriately to what they are saying.
If you never go deeper into conversations, never talk about anything really profound, it's possible that your phone is at least partially to blame.
How to Set Better Boundaries When You're With Others With Your Phone
So, how do you put your phone back where it belongs? How can you make sure that your phone doesn't sabotage your social relationships? Consider putting any (or all) of these strategies into action.
Put Your Phone Away - Let's start at the most extreme end of the spectrum. There are moments when you just need to turn off your phone. It should be kept in a drawer. Put it away in a box. Do whatever it takes to break your smartphone's addictive and distracting power. Use the time you don't have your phone to have meaningful conversations with others.
Turn Off Notifications — While you're among people, try turning off notifications on your phone. Disable text messages, emails, and social networking app notifications such as Facebook and Twitter. If you have a smartwatch, ensure sure the notifications are turned off. The buzzes and dings that are so bothersome will be gone.
Block Distracting Websites and Applications - Block distracting websites, apps, or the entire internet using an app. This includes apps for social media, news, and shopping, among other things. When you're among others, you want to make it as tough as possible to access distractions.
Make New Rules for Yourself — It's not enough to simply turn off your phone's notifications and diversions. You must also establish new behaviors and set new boundaries for yourself. You'll need new phone usage conventions to keep your relationships from being harmed. Consider establishing explicit guidelines for yourself regarding when and how you will use your phone. When you're with your buddies, for example, you might not use your phone at all. Perhaps you will not use your phone after a particular time in order to spend more time with your family.
Have Tough Conversations About Your Phone Usage – You might find it beneficial to have tough conversations about your phone usage with your friends or significant other. Inquire if they've ever felt phubbed. Inquire if they feel compelled to compete with your phone for your attention.
Long-standing smartphone habits are difficult to change. If you've become accustomed to using your phone while socializing with friends and family, it may be difficult to break the practice. However, the effort involved is well worth it.
Bravo! Right to the point! 90% of today's phone users would need to read this.