Silence challenges for anxious individuals

A 2025 study published in Springer found that people with social anxiety or a tendency to stress experience difficulties with silence, often feeling they cannot control how they fill it or may feel a sense of loss when trying to do so.

Screen use linked to stimulation needs

The widespread use of screens, especially social media, has been associated with a constant need for stimulation. This can lead to behaviors like watching a Netflix show while scrolling through a phone, which may affect concentration and how people handle silence.

Silence filled with phone use

When faced with silence, some individuals may prefer using their phone or other activities rather than seeing it as a chance to reflect or reconnect with themselves, according to the study.

Phubbing and its effects

Taking one's phone during a conversation is called phubbing, a term that highlights how using a smartphone can reduce the quality of social interactions and potentially harm relationships.

Research on smartphone use

A 2018 study in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that using smartphones during social interactions significantly reduced the enjoyment of those interactions.

Strategies for better silence

To benefit from silence, individuals can try leaving their phone in a bag and using the time for meditation or journaling. These practices can help refocus attention and promote self-reflection.

Active listening improves connections

When interacting with others, avoiding phone use and focusing on active listening can strengthen relationships and promote deeper, more meaningful connections.