Families disconnected as phones replace intimacy

Experts say ‘phubbing’ eroding emotional connection among couples

- VAIKHARI

Notification sounds of text messages pull you toward the screen, but what if they drift you apart from your loved ones? The addictive attention that you give to your phone can lead to disputes with your partner.

Recently, two instances were reported in Serilingampally where partners left home due to disputes over excessive phone usage. Instances such as these could be seen as among the detrimental effects of excessive phone addiction.

Relaxing or avoiding

Often, the habit of doom-scrolling and phone usage is brushed off as a medium to relieve stress.

However, Dr Sudhir Kumar, Head of the Neurology Department at Apollo Hospitals in Jubilee Hills, says, “The distinction often lies in context and intent. When someone consistently chooses the screen over meaningful interaction, especially during emotionally significant’ moments, it may signal emotional avoidance.”