FEELING THINGS - Is Your Phone Making You Less Attractive? Also, Your Texting Habits Reveal More Than You Think

The Bobby Bones Show52mMay 23, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

A surprising new study reveals that simply using your phone during social interactions—what the hosts call 'fubbing'—can make you seem less warm, competent, and ultimately less attractive to others. In a candid moment, one host shares how her ex-boyfriend pointed out that she was often on her phone, which made her feel unattractive in their relationship. The episode dives into how texting habits, especially the subtle differences in how we type 'okay' or use emojis, reveal our emotional state and intentions. A single period after 'okay' signals closure and firmness, while a simple 'K' can come across as annoyed. The hosts also explore the psychological impact of dressing up—even for work—finding that putting on a 'put-together' outfit boosts confidence and performance. They end with a food safety PSA about frozen peas: they’re not safe to eat raw and must be cooked first, a revelation that shocked even the hosts. Finally, they reflect on the power of small, unplanned moments—like dropping by a friend’s house—to deepen real connection in a world of digital distraction.

Key Takeaways
1

Using your phone during face-to-face interactions (fubbing) reduces perceptions of warmth, competence, and attractiveness.

2

Texting 'okay.' with a period signals closure and firmness, while 'K' alone can come across as annoyed or dismissive.

3

Cooking frozen peas before eating them is a food safety must—raw frozen peas can carry harmful bacteria.

4

Dressing up for work—even in casual roles—boosts confidence, performance, and self-perception.

5

Unplanned, phone-free visits to friends strengthen real-world relationships more than scheduled meetups.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

Podcast Promos & Intro

The episode opens with a series of iHeartRadio podcast promos, including 'Hey Jonas' by the Jonas Brothers, 'Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Friends', 'Deep Cover The Family Man', and 'Rebel Spirit Season 2'. These serve as standard ad breaks before the main content.

10:00
10 min

Gratitude, Books, and Morning Routines

Amy shares her journey with Kristen Hanna’s 'Winter Garden', initially struggling with the slow start but now deeply invested. Kat reflects on her gratitude box and a listener gift for her mom. They discuss their morning routines, including coffee runs and early bedtimes, with Kat admitting she’s been dressing up for work even when not on camera.

20:00
10 min

Texting 'Okay.' and Emotional Subtext

Okay. Period is you're firm. You're closing the convo.

Highlight
30:00
10 min

Fubbing and Social Attractiveness

Fubbing significantly reduces perceptions of warmth and competence, which in turn negatively affected perceptions of likability, social attractiveness, and interactions and intention.

Highlight
40:00
10 min

Dressing Up and Confidence

They reflect on the power of dressing up—even for work at home. Kat shares she only needs two outfits a week because she sees different people on different days. Amy notes how dressing up boosts confidence and performance, even in private settings.

High-Impact Quotes
Fubbing significantly reduces perceptions of warmth and competence, which in turn negatively affected perceptions of likability, social attractiveness, and interactions and intention.
Amy24:20
Viral: 90.0
Okay. Period is you're firm. You're closing the convo.
Kat15:23
Viral: 85.0
The liquid found in steak or at the bottom of its packaging is not blood. It is a combination of water and a protein called myoglobin.
Amy56:31
Viral: 82.0
Speakers

Hosts

AmyKat
Topics Discussed
fubbing92%texting habits88%food safety87%social attractiveness85%emotional subtext in texting82%dressing up for work80%unplanned visits78%steak safety75%
People & Brands

iHeartRadio

other

12xNeutral

Amy

person

12xNeutral

Kat

person

11xNeutral

Jonas Brothers

other

4xPositive

Ashley

person

2xPositive

Robert Smigel

person

2xNeutral

Akilah Hughes

person

2xNeutral

Renee Stubbs

person

2xNeutral

Costco

brand

2xNeutral

Superhuman

media

1xNeutral

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