I’ve had a few interesting interactions recently around behaviors stemming from our use (and overuse) of technology and the subsequent new terminology that has crept into our lexicon. We’ve had our go-round in recent years with words like ‘hashtag’, ‘photobomb’, ‘trolling’ and ‘selfie’, but the words below were new to me and interesting enough to share here.

Phubbing: (phone-snubbing)

True story: On the the second day that I met with my section of COM 111 this term, I had just started class when my phone rang. I thought I’d use it as a teachable moment to remind students that I’d appreciate it if they’d at least mute their devices in my class. I pulled my phone out, however, and a friend of mine who had his first child early that same morning was calling. I quickly weighed my options: let it go to voicemail or answer it in front of class. I quickly told my students that I needed to take this call because my friend just had a baby. I didn’t even leave the classroom. With all my students watching, I took the call, congratulated my friend, and agreed to go over to his house to feed his dog later that morning. I was phubbing.

According to dictionary.com, to phub (v) is “to ignore (a person or one’s surroundings) when in a social situation by busying oneself with a phone or other mobile device.” The recipient of the behavior has been phubbed.

But seriously though: How rude? Guilty as charged.

Nomophobia: (no-mobile-phone-phobia)

True story: This has happened to me on several occasions. I’ve left the house for the grocery story or for work and I’ve realized that I forgot my smartphone. I’ll actually turn the car around to go get it, not because I need to make a call, not because I need to use one of my 200 apps, just because I want it. I’ve been late to work on account of returning home to get my phone. Apparently parking in the Cherry lot was preferable to going a day without it.

According to Wikipedia, nomophobia (n) is “the fear of being out of mobile phone contact.” I’ve also heard this referred to as FoMO, smartphone separation anxiety and pathological Internet use.

But seriously though: I’m dependent on the thing. It’s a crutch. I consider myself lucky because I’m 36 and I’m part of the last generation that can truly say that my childhood was Internet free. I long for the days of checking the machine when getting home and knowing what time my favorite show was on TV.

So what about you? Do you know of any other interesting words (and behavioral issues) that the Internet has given us? Here’s a list of other neologisms the Internet has given us.

ttyl, Ryan