Wearables – The Solution to Phubbing

Putting your phone away, and keeping up to date with a glance at your wrist is rapidly becoming the new social trend

Some of the Middle East and North Africa’s most prominent influencers face the dilemma of checking social feeds and interacting with their online circle in the presence of their friends, relatives and colleagues. We met up with model, director, actor and TV host Sherif Al Fayed; actor and director Ahmed Fairouz; and one of the main Emirati media personalities, Diala Ali, at a video shoot for Samsung’s new Gear S2 watch. They gave us their take on a social phenomenon known as ‘phubbing’ and the ways in which wearables can help them overcome this social faux pas.

According to dictionary.com phubbing refers to ignoring a person or one's surroundings when in a social situation by busying oneself with a phone or other mobile device. It’s no secret that many of us tend to be phubbers in both social and, more increasingly business situations. Moreover, many of us are aware of this habit and are looking for ways to be more present in real life moments – the solution itself, according to social influencers, lies in technology itself.

Sherif Al Fayed, gave us an insight into a young millennial’s view of being on the phone while with friends: “I believe that when you’re out with friends, you should not be having your phone in your hand, unless it’s something urgent – if someone is giving you a call or you’re receiving a time sensitive email.”
So what is his advice to ensure that you’re always on top of your game, while remaining socially present in your group of friends?

Throw on the latest Samsung Gear S2. “I hate always having a phone in my hand – I find it anti-social, especially when I’m out with friends. That’s what I like about the Gear S2 watch; the circular display is extremely intuitive, you can scroll through menus using the rotating bezel, or swipe around as you would with your phone and have a quick glance at your notifications. If it’s important, you can pull out your phone – if not, just keep it in your pocket. The watch definitely makes me more sociable.”

According to a survey conducted by bookatable.com  last year, 40 per cent of respondents claim to be uncomfortable with fellow diners using their mobile phones during dinner. In fact, the mere act of putting a phone on the table indicates an intention to use it during the meal.

Imagine receiving notifications quietly and discretely on your wrist. Diala Ali gives us an insight: “The watch alerts you to messages and phone calls – you don’t have to answer them, but at least you are in the loop – you can even quickly type a message on the watch if you don’t feel like taking your phone out,” add Diala Ali.

Ahmed Fairouz adds: “If you’re a business man, or someone like me, who relies on their devices to organize your daily schedule, you can check your e-mail, the stock market, keep up to date with news and stay organized with the calendar, without having to take your phone out. The changeable bands and watch faces of the Gear S2 ensure that the watch matches every outfit, making it a stylish addition to my wardrobe.”

Over the past decade smartphones have become crucial in all of our professional and social lives, taking up more and more of our time and encroaching on our social space. The rapid rise and popularity of wearable technology is influencing the growth of a new social trend – more and more people are putting their mobiles away and staying in touch with their notifications, emails and calendars by simply glancing at their wrists.