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Partner phubbing and relationship satisfaction among high and low reward romantic partners: an expectancy violations theory perspective

TikTok Brain: An Investigation of Short-Form Video Use, Self-Control, and Phubbing

For God’s Sake: Integrating the Theory of Reasoned Action and Technology Acceptance Model to Predict Smartphone Use during Church Services

The dual nature of social media: Examining the direction of causal flow between fear of missing out and social media use

In Shiny Objects, a cross between In Praise of Slowness and The Tipping Point, consumer behavior expert Professor James A. Roberts takes us on a tour of America's obsession with consumerism—pointing out its symptoms, diagnosing specific problems, and offering a series of groundbreaking solutions.Roberts gives practical advice for how to correct the materialistic trends in our lives which lock us into a cycle of financial hardship and stress. Shiny Objects, a new The Paradox of Choice for the modern reader, is more than a critique of capitalism—it's also an exploration into how we can live happier, fuller, more productive lives today.

Shiny Objects: Why We Spend Money We Don't Have in Search of Happiness We Can't Buy

With his current effort, Dr. Roberts asks readers if they may be getting "Too Much of a Good Thing" regarding their smartphone use. This is no hoity-toity treatise but a fun and humorous look at our attachment (addiction?) to our smart phones. In chapter two you can respond to 12 short statements and see for yourself. Are you addicted to your smart phone? And, if you are, "What's the big deal?" In chapter three, experts tell us whether we can actually be addicted to our smart phones. The act of phubbing (phone snubbing) and its impact on your relationships is broached in chapters 4-6. But the fun doesn't stop there. Chapter seven offers a crash course on smart phone etiquette while chapter eight shares some interesting (and often sobering) facts about driving while distracted. Chapter nine debunks the four myths about multitasking and how our phones may undermine our productivity at school and work. Finally, he offers some easy solutions to all this telephony. Smart Phone Smack Down is all about carving out some time away from your smart phone so you can explore all the wonders available off-line if you just take a few minutes to power down. This is a life changing book and a journey that Dr. Roberts looks forward to sharing with you. So, put your smart phone on "airplane mode" and let's get started.

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING: Are You Addicted to Your Smartphone?

James A. Roberts, Ph.D., is The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing at Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business. A noted consumer behavior expert, he is among the "World's Top 2%" most-cited scientists in a database compiled by Stanford University. In addition to journal citations, Roberts has often been called upon by national media outlets for his consumer expertise and latest research. He has appeared on the CBS Early Show, ABC World News Tonight, ABC Good Morning America, NBC’s TODAY Show and NPR’s Morning Edition, as well as in articles in The New York Times, USA TODAY, The Wall Street Journal, TIME and many others.

Roberts’ research focuses on how individual consumer attitudes and behavior impact personal and collective well-being. His research has investigated the factors that drive ecologically and socially conscious consumer behavior, the impact of materialism and compulsive buying on well-being and the impact of smartphone and social media use on personal well-being. He is the author of “Shiny Objects: Why We Spend Money We Don’t Have in Search of Happiness We Can’t Buy” and “Too Much of a Good Thing: Are You Addicted to Your Smartphone?”

Consumer Behavior and Culture

Smartphone Usage and Impact

Impacts of Materialism and Buying

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Faculty Profile

New study: Self-centered people turn to social media out of weakness, not ego

A day off the grid, from a finalist of NPR's Student Podcast Challenge

Is TikTok breaking young voters' brains?

This Common Bedtime Habit Might Be Killing Your Relationship

How Often Do You Take Breaks From Your Phone?

How to Have a Healthier Relationship With Your Phone

For God’s sake: Baylor researchers develop a new model to predict smartphone use during church services

Children Get Emotionally Crushed; Wish They Are as Important to Their Phone-Crazy Parents

We have an intimate relationship with our phones. We sleep with them, eat with them and carry them in our pockets. We check them, on average, 47 times a day — 82 times if you’re between 18 and 24 years old, according to recent data...

The Phones We Love Too Much

James Roberts, Ph.D., The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing in Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business, is a featured expert in this story about society’s “love” for smartphones. “A key to a healthy relationship is being present,” said Roberts, who authored the book “Too Much of a Good Thing: Are You Addicted to Your Smartphone?” The article also cites research conducted by Roberts and Meredith David, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing, which found that “phubbing” – phone snubbing – can damage relationships and lead to depression. 

Baylor Smartphone Addiction Expert Featured in The New York Times

Waco, texas (june 13, 2017) -- people who are phone snubbed -- or "phubbed" -- by others are, themselves, often turning to their smartphones and social media to find acceptance, according to new research from baylor university's hankamer school of business.

People who are “phone snubbed” by others often turn to their own phones, social media for acceptance, baylor study finds

 People who are phone snubbed – or “phubbed” – by others are, themselves, often turning to their smartphones and social media to find acceptance, according to new research from Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business.

Building on their earlier study that phubbing can damage relationships and lead to depression, researchers Meredith David, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing, and James A. Roberts, Ph.D., The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing, have found that the circle nearly completes itself as the offended parties frequently jump online to find affirmation in the likes and shares and positive comments of social media.

Their study, “Phubbed and Alone: Phone Snubbing, Social Exclusion, and Attachment to Social Media,” is published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research. The research investigates the relationship between phubbing, social media attachment, depression, anxiety and stress.

“When an individual is phubbed, he/she feels socially excluded, which leads to an increased need for attention. Instead of turning to face-to-face interaction to restore a sense of inclusion, study participants turned to social media to regain a sense of belonging,” said David, lead author of the study. “Being phubbed was also found to undermine an individual’s psychological well-being. Phubbed individuals reported higher levels of stress and depression.”

“We’re looking online for what we’re not getting offline,” Roberts said. “It’s a vicious cycle.”

As part of their research, David and Roberts surveyed more than 330 people across two studies. They found:

* Nearly half of those who were phubbed reported spending more than 1.5 hours on their phone each day. In addition, one-quarter of those phubbed reported spending more than 90 minutes per day on social media sites.

* More than one-third of phubbed individuals indicated that they turn to social media to interact with new people. 

* More than half of individuals who said they were phubbed indicated that social media enhances their life and makes their life better. The majority reported that people’s comments on their social media posts makes them feel affirmed and more accepted. 

“Although the stated purpose of technology like smartphones is to help us connect with others, in this particular instance, it does not,” David said. “Ironically, the very technology that was designed to bring humans closer together has isolated us from these very same people.” 

People who are “phone snubbed” by others often turn to their own phones, social media for acceptance, Baylor study finds

More than three-quarters of americans have smartphones, but others like the simplicity (and cost) of the flip.

Move over iphone x, some people prefer an old-fashioned flip phone

 James A. Roberts, Ph.D., The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing, and Meredith David, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing, in Baylor University's Hankamer School of Business, actively research the effects of smartphones on consumers. 

Their findings regarding "phubbing" -- phone snubbing -- and how that practice can damage relationship and lead to depression have garnered national and international attention. 

Building on their "phubbing" research and the damage it does to relationship, they more recently found that the circle nearly completes itself as the offended parties frequently jump online to find affirmation in the likes and shares and positive comments of social media.

“Although the stated purpose of technology like smartphones is to help us connect with others, in this particular instance, it does not,” David said. “Ironically, the very technology that was designed to bring humans closer together has isolated us from these very same people.” 

Roberts authored the book “Too Much of a Good Thing: Are You Addicted to Your Smartphone?”





New iPhone X Announcement Sparks Talk of Smartphone Use and Addiction - Baylor Experts Can Weigh In

Waco, texas (oct. 24, 2017) – nearly every morning, the western world wakes to find a series of tweets from president donald trump. mostly coming in the predawn hours, they range in topic and tone – often responding to, or creating, headlines of the day.

Is trump addicted to twitter? a baylor social media and smartphone addiction expert has the answer

Trump has said that Twitter is his way of communicating his thoughts directly with the world, bypassing the more traditional means of using the news media, which he tends to distrust. The president’s daily use of social media begs the questions: Can people be addicted to social media? If so, is President Trump an addict?

“Yes and yes,” answered James Roberts, Ph.D., The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing in Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business.

Roberts is a nationally known expert on consumer behavior, social media and smartphone addiction, and the effects of smartphone use on relationships. He recently published a new edition of his book, “Too Much of a Good Thing: Are You Addicted to Your Smartphone?” which includes a bonus chapter focused squarely on the Commander in Chief’s Twitter habits.

“Addiction is a strong word,” Roberts said. “It’s best understood and defined as ‘continuing a behavior despite its negative consequences for you and others around you.’ Yes, we can be addicted to social media use just like we can be addicted to drugs or alcohol. Addiction can result from any behavior that produces pleasure in the brain.”

In his look at President Trump, Roberts focused on the six core components applied by many health professionals when analyzing substance use disorders – salience, euphoria, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, conflicts and relapse.

“Our inability to separate from technology is devastating to our well-being,” Roberts said. “Even if it’s not an addiction, it’s a deeply ingrained habit.”

Is Trump a Twitter Addict? Baylor Expert Says 'Yes'

Waco, Texas (Dec. 13, 2017) – Supervisors who cannot tear themselves away from their smartphones while meeting with employees risk losing their employees’ trust and, ultimately, their engagement, according to a new research from Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business.

Bosses who “phone snub” their employees risk losing trust and engagement, baylor researchers say

Baylor University marketing professors and smartphone use experts James A. Roberts, Ph.D., and Meredith David, Ph.D., published their latest study – “Put Down Your Phone and Listen to Me: How Boss Phubbing Undermines the Psychological Conditions Necessary for Employee Engagement” – in the journal Computers in Human Behavior. Roberts and David are known nationally and internationally for researching the affects of smartphone use on relationships.

“Phubbing (phone snubbing) is a harmful behavior,” Roberts said. “It undermines any corporate culture based on respect for others. Thus, it is crucial that corporations create a culture embodied by care for one another.”

Their newest study examines “boss phubbing” (boss phone snubbing), which the researchers define as “an employee’s perception that his or her supervisor is distracted by his or her smartphone when they are talking or in close proximity to each other” and how that activity affects the supervisor-employee relationship.

“Our research reveals how a behavior as simple as using a cellphone in the workplace can ultimately undermine an employee’s success,” the researchers wrote. “We present evidence that boss phubbing lowers employees’ trust in their supervisors and ultimately leads to lower employee engagement.”

The study found:

* 76 percent of those surveyed showed a lack of trust in a supervisor who phubbed them
* 75 percent showed decreases in psychological meaningfulness, psychological availability and psychological safety
* The lack of trust and decreases in those key areas led to a 5 percent decrease in employee engagement

Roberts and David suggest several steps that managers could take to change the culture and mitigate the negative effects of smartphone use. 

* Create a culture in which supervisors do not feel pressure to immediately respond to emails and messages from their superiors while meeting with their employees.
* Structure performance criteria in a manner which motivates bosses to build healthy superior-subordinate relationships. This might include annual ratings by their subordinates.
* Train supervisors and employees on the importance of face-to-face interactions and sensitize them to the potentially negative consequences of phubbing on employee attitudes and engagement.
* Set formal smartphone policies by setting clear rules for smartphone use, access and security – and detail specific consequences for violating those rules.

Baylor Experts Share New "Phone Snubbing" Research. This time it's "Boss Phubbing!"

Waco, texas (dec. 20, 2017) - as 2018 approaches, many americans are considering ways to improve themselves via new year’s resolutions. here is a listing of baylor university research that might help advise those seeking positive change in the coming year.

Considering a new year’s resolution for 2018? baylor experts can help

Many Americans seek New Year’s resolutions. Whether personal, like losing weight or clearing clutter, or professional, like being a better manager or breaking away from smartphones, the options vary. Here is a listing of Baylor University research that might help advise those seeking positive change in 2018.

BREAK AWAY FROM YOUR SMARTPHONE (James Roberts and Meredith David)

“Our inability to separate from technology is devastating to our well-being,” said James Roberts, Ph.D., professor of marketing. “Even if it’s not an addiction, it’s a deeply ingrained habit.” 

BE MORE GENEROUS (Andy Hogue)

“Whatever our station, however much money or resources we have, we all have something to share and something to give," said Andy Hogue, Ph.D, director of the Philanthropy and Public Service Program. "I like the idea of thinking in terms of a New Year’s resolution, sort of resolving to be more generous and helping people to think in those ways.”

CLEAR OUT THE CLUTTER (Elise King)

“Don’t try to organize the entire house in one weekend,” said Elise King, assistant professor in the department of family and consumer sciences. “You are much more likely to complete a task, especially one that you’ve probably been avoiding, if you break it into small goals. Don’t try to clean out an entire room over a weekend; instead, focus on the desk one week, the closet the next, and so forth.”

TRY A NEW APPROACH TO DIETING (Meredith David)

“Our research shows that instead of creating rules to avoid one’s favorite treats, dieters should focus on eating healthy foods that they enjoy,” said Meredith David, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing.

BE MORE PRODUCTIVE AT WORK (Emily Hunter)

“When you give to one domain, you must take from the other. There are only so many hours in the day,” Hunter said. 

ASK: IS IT REALLY BETTER TO WORK FROM HOME? (Sara Perry)

Many people dream of working from home. And with today’s technology – everything from phone calls and email to texting and videoconferences – maintaining "virtual" communications with the team seems to be easier than ever. But is virtual teamwork productive? Are managers really getting the most out of their teams when virtuality is involved?

“Under the conditions of higher virtuality, you need people to hold you accountable, to prevent the virtuality from letting you stray or ‘loaf,’” said Sara Perry, assistant professor of management.

Considering a New Year’s Resolution for 2018? Baylor Experts Can Help

Gift cards 101: a little mindfulness may keep you from overspending.

Got a gift card this holiday? here’s how to spend it wisely

James Roberts, Ph.D., The Ben Williams Professorship in Marketing in Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business and an expert on consumerism, is featured in this Chicago Tribune story about spending gift cards – a popular holiday present. Roberts commented on a study that showed consumers spend an average of $38 more than the value of their gift cards. 

“We’re going to be more free with our spending when ... we didn’t generate the money that’s paying for it. The fact that we’re paying with a credit card-like mechanism means we’re not going to be as mindful of the price. We’ll overpay or spend more money than we would otherwise,” Roberts said. This story was picked up in dozens of national publications, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Stars and Stripes, Dayton (Ohio) Daily News, Palm Beach Post and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. 

Baylor Consumerism Expert Discusses the Challenges of Gift Cards and Spending

James Roberts, Ph.D., marketing, Baylor University's Hankamer School of Business

giving-with-purpose-this-holiday-season

Baylor experts share five practical strategies to help donors support the causes they love with intention, confidence and lasting impact

The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing

  As the season of giving draws near, many people are searching for meaningful ways to support the causes that matter most. From local food banks to global humanitarian organizations, charitable giving offers an opportunity to make a genuine difference – for the organization and for the donor.

Two Baylor University experts in consumer behavior and philanthropy – James A. Roberts, Ph.D., The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing in the Hankamer School of Business, and Andrew P. Hogue, Ph.D., associate dean in the Office of Engaged Learning and founder of  Philanthropy and the Public Good program – share five practical strategies to help donors give with intention and impact.

Five ways to give more thoughtfully and effectively  1. Choose a cause that resonates with you Begin by considering the issues that matter most –education, hunger, health care, the environment or another area close to your heart. Once you identify your passion, take time to research organizations working in that space. Look for transparency, measurable results and a strong record of directing funds to mission-focused programs.

“A helpful shortcut is to see whether a nonprofit receives repeat grants from charitable foundations,” Hogue said. “Those grants typically follow a rigorous evaluation process.”  2. Decide what you can comfortably give Giving should feel fulfilling, not stressful. Roberts and Hogue recommend reviewing your household budget and determining an amount that fits comfortably. Even small donations can accumulate into meaningful support over time.

3. Consider how often you want to give Think about whether a single contribution or ongoing support works best for you. Regular giving helps nonprofits plan ahead and maintain steady programming.

“Consistent donations allow charities to allocate resources more effectively throughout the year,” Hogue said.  4. Automate your contributions Setting up recurring gifts through your bank or directly with a nonprofit keeps your generosity on track with minimal effort. Automatic withdrawals ensure reliability for the organization and ease for the donor.

“It’s a simple way to make sure you don’t forget to give,” Roberts said, “and it provides charities with predictable support.”  5. Offer your time and talent if money is tight Financial support is just one form of generosity. Time, skills and personal networks can be equally valuable.

“Donating your time and skills can be just as impactful,” Roberts said. “Whether you’re mentoring, sorting donations or helping at events, your presence matters.”  Hogue added that giving enriches both the recipient and the giver: “Charitable giving is about making a difference in others’ lives while adding purpose and connection to your own.” His advice: start small, stay consistent and simply take the first step.

“Giving is deeply rewarding,” Hogue said. “And as you grow in your generosity, keep a beginner’s mindset – there is always room to improve how we steward the resources entrusted to us.”  Looking to know more or arrange an interview? Simply click on the expert's icon below or contact: Shelby Cefaratti-Bertin today.


Giving with Purpose This Holiday Season

why-tiktok-keeps-you-scrolling-baylor-research-explains-the-science-behind-social-media-addiction

Short-form video design fuels engagement - and addiction - through ease, accuracy and surprise

Associate Professor, Marketing

  Why is it so hard to stop scrolling TikTok? A new study by Baylor University marketing professors and social media researchers James A. Roberts, Ph.D. and Meredith E. David, Ph.D., reveals that the answer lies not only in the app’s content, but in its design.

Their research, published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, is among the first to compare the technological affordances – the built-in design features that shape user behavior – of three leading short-form video (SFV) platforms: TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. The findings reveal that TikTok’s combination of ease of use, highly accurate recommendations and surprising content variety creates a powerful recipe for user engagement – and, in many cases, addiction.


 The power of effortless design In their study, Roberts and David had participants rate each platform on three key technological affordances: perceived effortlessness, recommendation accuracy and serendipity (the element of surprise) and answer questions measuring their levels of social media engagement and addictive use.

The results were clear: TikTok scored significantly higher than Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts across all categories. Users in the study said TikTok required the least effort to use, delivered the most relevant videos and surprised them most often with unexpected but enjoyable content.

“It’s the combination of all three that keeps people scrolling,” David said. “But the prerequisite is effortlessness. Without that ease of use, the other two wouldn’t matter as much.”  TikTok’s seamless experience – where videos begin playing automatically the moment the app opens – creates a sense of immersion unmatched by competitors. Other platforms require users to click or select a video before viewing begins, a subtle difference that nonetheless makes TikTok feel faster and more intuitive.
 Engagement becomes addiction The study found that TikTok’s technological affordances indirectly increase addiction by first increasing engagement. The more users engage, the more likely they are to lose track of time – a phenomenon known as time distortion. David said this design is no accident.

“TikTok’s algorithm is intentionally created to be addictive,” she said. “Their own materials acknowledge that users can become hooked after less than half an hour on the app.”  She noted that even users who recognize these patterns often underestimate how long they spend scrolling.

“We all need to be more cognizant of our time on these platforms,” David said. “Check your phone’s screen-time data – you may be surprised.”  Implications for users and policy Beyond individual awareness, the researchers point to the broader social impact of overuse – particularly for young people. Excessive time on short-form video apps can erode attention spans, foster expectations for instant gratification and displace face-to-face interaction.

“These platforms are designed to hold our attention,” David said. “But the opportunity cost is huge. The more time we spend scrolling, the less time we have for the activities that build real connection and meaning.” 

Why TikTok Keeps You Scrolling: Baylor Research Explains the Science Behind Social Media Addiction

black-friday-2025-earlier-bigger-and-more-digital-than-ever

Shoppers embrace a longer season, sharper discounts and online convenience as holiday spending surges despite economic uncertainty

  Black Friday is no longer just a day – it’s becoming an entire season. In 2025, shoppers are starting earlier, spending more and relying heavily on technology to find the best deals. With online shopping now the dominant force, an estimated 71% of consumers plan to browse and buy from their screens rather than stand in long lines.

Baylor University consumer behavior expert James A. Roberts, Ph.D., said this year’s sales stretch well beyond Thanksgiving weekend.

Top 5 Black Friday Trends from Dr. James A. Roberts  Retailers have pushed promotions into early November – and in some cases, late October – creating what many now call “Black November.” And for the true procrastinators, “Desperate in December” is the new reality, with next-day delivery extending holiday shopping right up to the last minute. Even as shoppers plan to spend up to 10% more, they’re extremely price sensitive, Roberts said. Inflation, rising living costs and ongoing economic uncertainty – including concerns over tariffs – are prompting consumers to hunt for deeper discounts and compare prices more closely than ever. That caution is also fueling another trend: increased use of buy-now-pay-later plans. While convenient, Roberts urges shoppers to approach them carefully to avoid overspending. Technology also is accelerating the shift. AI tools and retail chatbots are helping customers track deals and make purchases, while influencers and social media ads continue to shape buying habits. Cost-conscious platforms like Temu and Shein are poised for another strong season. Clothing, electronics and home goods remain top categories, Roberts said, with gift cards still the go-to for last-minute buyers. Walmart, Target and Kohl’s are expected to be the most popular in-store destinations, while Amazon – unsurprisingly – continues to dominate Cyber Monday. Overall spending remains robust. Shoppers are expected to spend roughly $20 billion across online and in-store purchases, split almost evenly between the two. The best bargains will be toys discounted about 25 percent, phones and computers discounted around 30 percent and TVs discounted an average of 23 percent. The typical shopper will spend about $650 this holiday weekend.  How to navigate the shopping frenzy  Roberts offers some simple advice for navigating the frenzy: Set a budget, stick to it, choose thoughtful gifts and keep the season in perspective. After all, the most meaningful gifts are the ones that show how well you know the people you love.
 ABOUT JAMES A. ROBERTS, PH.D.    James A. Roberts, Ph.D., is The Ben H. Williams Professor of Marketing at Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business. A noted consumer behavior expert, he is among the Top 2% Most-Cited Researchers  in a database compiled by Stanford University. In addition to journal citations, Roberts has often been called upon by national media outlets for his consumer expertise and latest research. He has appeared on the CBS Early Show, ABC World News Tonight, ABC Good Morning America, NBC’s TODAY Show and NPR’s Morning Edition, as well as in articles in The New York Times, USA TODAY, The Wall Street Journal, TIME and many others.

Roberts’ research has focused on how individual consumer attitudes and behavior impact personal and collective well-being, including investigating the factors that drive ecologically and socially conscious consumer behavior, the impact of materialism and compulsive buying on well-being and the effect of smartphone and social media use on personal well-being. He is the author of “Shiny Objects: Why We Spend Money We Don’t Have in Search of Happiness We Can’t Buy” and “Too Much of a Good Thing: Are You Addicted to Your Smartphone?”



Black Friday 2025: Earlier, Bigger and More Digital Than Ever

They're supposed to be with you, but they're texting someone else. It's a problem so common, it has a name: It's called phubbing, short for phone snubbing. It can hurt your relationship.

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