Research Article

Understanding Phubbing: How FoMO, Nomophobia, and Netlessphobia Shape Social Behavior?

Volume: 16 Number: 80 March 27, 2026
EN

Understanding Phubbing: How FoMO, Nomophobia, and Netlessphobia Shape Social Behavior?

Abstract

Phubbing is a behavior in which individuals engage with their smartphones while in face-to-face communication, exhibiting a dismissive attitude toward the person they are interacting with. This behavior is considered neglectful, rude, and disrespectful. Various underlying social behavioral tendencies may contribute to this conduct. In recent years, emerging technologies, social media, and communication platforms have led individuals to exhibit social behavioral tendencies such as the fear of missing out (FoMO), the fear of being without a mobile phone (Nomophobia), and the fear of being without an internet connection (Netlessphobia). This study aims to examine the predictive power of FoMO, Nomophobia, and Netlessphobia on Phubbing, which is regarded as unacceptable behavior in social settings. In this research, we employed a predictive correlational design, one of the quantitative research methods. 301 university students (79 male, 222 female) participated in the study. Findings indicated a moderate positive significant relationship between Phubbing and FoMO, a moderate-to-high positive considerable relationship between Phubbing and Nomophobia, and a moderate-to-high positive significant relationship between Phubbing and Netlessphobia. Moreover, we found students' behaviors related to Netlessphobia and Nomophobia to be predictors of Phubbing. However, FoMO behaviors did not significantly predict Phubbing. Based on the study results, we provided suggestions for preventive and intervention-based practices and future research.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

School Counseling

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

March 27, 2026

Submission Date

June 24, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 5, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 16 Number: 80

APA
Akçay, A., Güner, İ., Tingiroğlu, E., & Kaya, D. (2026). Understanding Phubbing: How FoMO, Nomophobia, and Netlessphobia Shape Social Behavior? Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal, 16(80), 177-190. https://doi.org/10.17066/tpdrd.1726629
AMA
1.Akçay A, Güner İ, Tingiroğlu E, Kaya D. Understanding Phubbing: How FoMO, Nomophobia, and Netlessphobia Shape Social Behavior? Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal. 2026;16(80):177-190. doi:10.17066/tpdrd.1726629
Chicago
Akçay, Arif, İsmail Güner, Esra Tingiroğlu, and Dilek Kaya. 2026. “Understanding Phubbing: How FoMO, Nomophobia, and Netlessphobia Shape Social Behavior?”. Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal 16 (80): 177-90. https://doi.org/10.17066/tpdrd.1726629.
EndNote
Akçay A, Güner İ, Tingiroğlu E, Kaya D (March 1, 2026) Understanding Phubbing: How FoMO, Nomophobia, and Netlessphobia Shape Social Behavior? Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal 16 80 177–190.
IEEE
[1]A. Akçay, İ. Güner, E. Tingiroğlu, and D. Kaya, “Understanding Phubbing: How FoMO, Nomophobia, and Netlessphobia Shape Social Behavior?”, Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal, vol. 16, no. 80, pp. 177–190, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.17066/tpdrd.1726629.
ISNAD
Akçay, Arif - Güner, İsmail - Tingiroğlu, Esra - Kaya, Dilek. “Understanding Phubbing: How FoMO, Nomophobia, and Netlessphobia Shape Social Behavior?”. Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal 16/80 (March 1, 2026): 177-190. https://doi.org/10.17066/tpdrd.1726629.
JAMA
1.Akçay A, Güner İ, Tingiroğlu E, Kaya D. Understanding Phubbing: How FoMO, Nomophobia, and Netlessphobia Shape Social Behavior? Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal. 2026;16:177–190.
MLA
Akçay, Arif, et al. “Understanding Phubbing: How FoMO, Nomophobia, and Netlessphobia Shape Social Behavior?”. Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal, vol. 16, no. 80, Mar. 2026, pp. 177-90, doi:10.17066/tpdrd.1726629.
Vancouver
1.Arif Akçay, İsmail Güner, Esra Tingiroğlu, Dilek Kaya. Understanding Phubbing: How FoMO, Nomophobia, and Netlessphobia Shape Social Behavior? Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal. 2026 Mar. 1;16(80):177-90. doi:10.17066/tpdrd.1726629

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