When you are distracted by your phone while on a date, there's a word for that - it is called "sidebarring." You're on a date and it's going well, the conversation is engaging, and then you glance at your phone... the next thing you know, you are texting away while the other person awkwardly waits. Much like submarining, love bombing, and cushioning, sidebarring is the latest in horribly rude dating trends that we all need to nip in the bud immediately.
We all sidebar.
If you can't help but be distracted by your phone, it's best that you just put it away when on a date or having a conversation. You're not trying to be rude or ignore the other person, we all do it, but this toxic behavior has become so much of our daily lives that we don't even realize it anymore.
A new study by Facebook into the evolution of digital communication touches on the phenomena of sidebar conversations. They found that 71 percent of the people who took part in their survey admitted to sidebarring, and that they mostly do it at social events or family gatherings.
The study also reported that 82 percent of millennials and 79 percent of teens were likely to indulge in sidebarring, but Facebook found that most of those conversations actually strengthened online friendships.
One thing the Facebook study neglected was gender statistics.
Some people couldn't help but find the inherent humor in sidebarring.
Is there ever a good time for sidebarring?
Text conversations are still real conversations.
Sidebarring seems to be a major issue in the workplace as well.
Be in the moment. Be present, wherever you are.
A rose by any other name.
Seems sidebarring is not a new behavior. Before it was called "phubbing" - short for phone snubbing.
Remember: There is no excuse for ignoring someone on a date.
The next time you're out having a romantic evening, leave your phone in your pocket and give the other person your undying attention.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
h/t: The Sun,
@sunluvindawgz/Bluesky
@jriley8832/X
@jriley8832/X
Evil Smile GIF
Stop Motion No GIF by Mouse
Scary Kids Australia GIF by ALTER – The Best Horror Films
Childs Play 