# Predicting Phubbing Through Machine Learning: A Study of Internet Usage and Health Risks
## 6 Conclusions and Future Work  
This study examined how future increases in internet usage durations may affect phubbing behaviours. The findings suggest that internet use may have potential negative effects on social relationships. Among the machine learning models used in the study, the ANN has shown superior performance compared to other methods by providing the highest accuracy rate. By addressing the relationship between internet usage, phubbing behaviours, and their broader social implications, this study aims to contribute to the interdisciplinary discourse on technology's role in shaping human interactions. Our findings provide a basis for future AI-driven behavioural studies, offering actionable insights for both academic researchers and policymakers. Phubbing, namely engaging with a phone or other digital device during face-to-face contact with a person, is a behaviour that has become common in modern society. From a health perspective, phubbing can have negative effects on both individuals and relationships. Constant digital distraction can weaken interpersonal bonds, reduce empathy, and increase feelings of loneliness. Furthermore, this behaviour can raise stress levels and negatively impact mental health. Research shows that phubbing can also be associated with health problems such as sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety. Therefore, having a balanced relationship with digital devices is important in maintaining both physical and mental health. The average daily time spent on the internet reached 277 min in 2014 and 417 min in 2024. In this study, the average time spent on the internet was estimated according to machine learning models. According to the results of this model, it is calculated that it will reach 507 min in 2030 and 603 min in 2035. These predictions may indicate serious health risks. Prolonged internet use can encourage sedentary lifestyles, leading to chronic conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Furthermore, screen addiction can impair eye health, negatively impact sleep patterns, and trigger mental health problems, particularly anxiety and depression. To manage this increase, digital detox practices should be encouraged, individuals should limit their screen time, and regular physical activity and social interactions should be increased. Healthy internet usage habits should be promoted through education and awareness-raising campaigns. The findings of this study reveal the long-term social effects of the phubbing phenomenon. However, it is critical to develop strategies to reduce the negative effects of this phenomenon. Suggested interventions may include digital detox programs, promoting mobile applications that limit individuals' screen time, and organising awareness campaigns. In addition, policies that limit the use of digital communication tools can be implemented in social settings such as educational institutions and workplaces. In future research, it is recommended to conduct studies on the effectiveness of such interventions. The social, economic, and ecological impacts of the phubbing phenomenon are quite wide-ranging. In the social context, a decrease in the frequency of individuals' face-to-face communication could lead to consequences such as loneliness, insecurity, and relationship dissatisfaction. Economically, the need for constant digital interaction can reduce individuals' productivity and cause a loss of attention in the business world. In financial terms, it has been observed that technology dependency affects individuals' spending habits and encourages the consumption of more technological devices. In the ecological context, increased internet usage and device production may contribute to the growth of the carbon footprint by increasing energy consumption. For these reasons, it is suggested that individuals should implement digital detox strategies and adopt sustainable technology policies to reduce the effects of phubbing.