Distracted and monitored: how and when social media induced phubbing triggers supervisors' close monitoring

Purpose Drawing on leader–member exchange theory, this study aims to explore how employees' social media addiction can trigger phubbing behaviors that, in turn, shape supervisors' monitoring responses. Furthermore, the moderating role of employee work passion is investigated. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from employees in the United States and analyzed using Hayes' PROCESS macro. Findings The findings reveal that phubbing, driven by social media addiction, compels supervisors to closely monitor their employees. Moreover, work passion significantly moderates this relationship. Practical implications This paper highlights the need for supportive policies, training and mentorship to regulate social media use, foster healthy communication and reduce phubbing at work. Originality/value To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the impact of employee social media addiction on supervisor close monitoring through phubbing behavior.