An examination of the relationship between phubbing behavior loneliness and emotional intelligence levels in emerging adults

Technological advancements have transformed modes of communication; while offering individuals convenience, they have also given rise to phubbing behavior. In order to foster healthy social relationships, it is necessary to raise awareness of this behavior and examine related concepts. The present study aims to investigate the relationships among phubbing, loneliness, and emotional intelligence levels in emerging adults, as well as to examine the predictive effects of loneliness and emotional intelligence on phubbing. It also explores whether these three variables differ according to demographic factors. The research was conducted using a relational survey design. The study group consisted of 496 emerging adults aged 18–29, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected quantitatively through the "Personal Information Form," "General Phubbing (Sociotel) Scale," "UCLA Loneliness Scale– Short Form," and the "Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire–Short Form." The findings revealed a weak positive relationship between phubbing and loneliness, a moderate negative relationship between phubbing and emotional intelligence, and a moderate negative relationship between loneliness and emotional intelligence. Regression analyses showed that loneliness was a weak but significant predictor of phubbing, whereas emotional intelligence was a moderately significant predictor. Emotional intelligence was also found to be a strong and significant predictor of loneliness. Additional findings indicated that phubbing levels differed according to gender, age, marital status, and daily smartphone use, but not according to employment status. Loneliness levels differed by age and marital status, but not by gender, employment status, or daily smartphone use. Emotional intelligence levels differed by age, marital status, employment status, and daily smartphone use, but not by gender. These findings were discussed within the framework of the relevant literature.