The Effects of Mobile Device Use and Presence on Perceptions of a Conversation Partner

Abstract

This study examined the effects of mobile device use, and its mere presence, on in-person conversations. The study utilized an experimental design to replicate and advance existing scholarship on the impact of co-present device use and mere device presence on a conversation. This study examined how the presence of an unused device may hinder conversation, and the results did not replicate the mere presence effect. The study found participants reacted negatively to a confederate’s phone use, regardless of whether it was self- or externally initiated.

Keywords:

• Mobile phone
• mere presence phubbing

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Scott E. Caplan

Scott Caplan is a Professor in the Department of Communication and the University of Delaware.

John A. Courtright

John Courtright is a Emeritus Professor in the Department of Communication and the University of Delaware.