Paradox of Connectivity: How Phone Snubbing (Phubbing) Erodes Interpersonal Communication Satisfaction in Educational Milieus

Abstract

The ubiquitous integration of smartphones into daily life has engendered a paradoxical phenomenon wherein hyper-digital connectivity results in physical social disconnection. This behavior, termed "phubbing" (phone snubbing), is increasingly prevalent among adolescents, threatening the foundational dynamics of their social interactions.  This study aims to quantify the impact of phubbing behavior on interpersonal communication satisfaction among early adolescents in a developing educational context.  Employing a quantitative associative design, the study surveyed 92 junior high school students (aged 12–15) in Makassar, Indonesia, selected via simple random sampling from a population of 1,032. We collected data using validated 4-point Likert-scale instruments measuring Phubbing (Communication Disturbance, Phone Obsession) and Interpersonal Communication Satisfaction (Language, Physical, Psychological, Environment). We analyzed the data using classical assumption tests and simple linear regression in SPSS 26.  Descriptive statistics revealed that both phubbing behavior (69.57%) and communication satisfaction (68.48%) predominantly clustered in the moderate category. Crucially, regression analysis demonstrated a highly significant negative impact of phubbing on interpersonal communication satisfaction (β = -1.178, t = -18.009, p < 0.001).  The findings empirically validate the Expectancy Violations Theory in a digital-physical context, illustrating that smartphone-induced distraction severely diminishes relational satisfaction. Practically, these results underscore the urgent need for digital literacy interventions and "digital fasting" protocols within educational and familial spheres to preserve the psychological and social well-being of adolescents.