How can a device that revolutionized the way we communicate actually be inhibiting interpersonal communication?

Ryan Allred
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh associate professor of communications studies Ryan Allred provides a lively explanation of “phubbing” on the latest episode of UWO Now. Phubbing is word that combines “phone” and “snubbing” and describes how people are snubbed when someone focuses on their phone instead of them.
Allred noted that he studies anything that inhibits people from communicating or making close connections, and phones have come into the forefront of his focus.
“It’s not that the phones are bad themselves, but the way were using the phones is really hurting our ability to make these connections,” he said.
Learn more:
- ‘UWO Now’ podcast: Rob Kleman, discusses Oshkosh Chamber’s link with education
- ‘UWO’ podcast: Talk of climate change migration heats up
- ‘UWO Now’ podcast: Skimming Wisconsin waterways with Greg Kleinheinz
- ‘UWO Now’ podcast: Sustainability at home and on campus
- ‘UWO Now’ podcast: Following your path with Jeni Asaba