Smartphones in Relational Conflicts: Examining When and How They Interfere

This study investigates the influence of copresent smartphone use and presence on conflict interactions. Sixty-four dating couples (N = 128) completed one 10-minute in-person serial argument conversation. Dyads were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (a) smartphones absent, (b) smartphone used by one participant, or (c) smartphone present but not used. Results indicate that copresent smartphone use–but not the presence of an unused smartphone–during conflict is more dissatisfying than conflict conversations absent of smartphones overall and at one-minute measurements. Also, perceived technological interference–but not the amount of phone use–was associated with lower ratings of conversation satisfaction. These findings suggest that copresent smartphone use is more problematic than smartphone presence, and perceptions of smartphone use may explain how and why copresent smartphone use may erode conversation quality.