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Most of us tend to keep our phones on the table when we're out to dinner. Even if we don't check it during the meal, it's still there as a reminder that there's someone we could be texting, an email we could be checking or an Instagram waiting for our like.
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You're out to dinner with your partner or friend--whatever is on your phone can wait 60 minutes for your attention.
Two recent studies showed that if your phone is visible during a conversation, even if you're not actually using it, the person you are with can feel negatively towards you.
"In both studies we found evidence mobiles can have negative effects on closeness, connection, and conversation quality," said lead researcher Andrew Przybylski. It makes sense, since part of your attention, even if you don't know it, is going towards your phone sitting on the table.
"The presence of a mobile phone may orient individuals to thinking of other people and events outside their immediate social context. In doing so, they divert attention away from a presently occurring interpersonal experience to focus on a multitude of other concerns and interests," he explained.
So put your phone out of sight and actually give your full divided attention to whoever you are out with. You'll see your personal connection reach a whole new level, and also realize that whoever or whatever is on your phone can wait.
