BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA — In the modern dating landscape, the glowing screen of a smartphone has become an uninvited third wheel. Across candlelit dinners, casual coffee dates, and evening strolls through the bustling streets of Colombia’s major metropolitan hubs, the temptation to check a notification, scroll through social media, or reply to a text message has transformed how humans interact face-to-face.
A comprehensive new study conducted across Bogotá, Cali, and Barranquilla has shed light on this modern phenomenon, revealing a striking paradox: while contemporary daters deeply value genuine, uninterrupted conversation, their habits behind the screen often sabotage the very connection they seek.
The research, titled “¿Menos amor o más desconexión?” (Less Love or More Disconnection?), was carried out between August 14 and August 30, 2026. Commissioned as part of the “Más besos” (More Kisses) campaign by Storia D’Amore – Amore Group, the study surveyed 765 participants to explore the intricate dynamics between phone usage, in-person connection, and physical displays of affection in contemporary relationships.
Main Facts: The Digital Intrusion on Dates
The core findings of the study paint a vivid picture of hyper-connected yet emotionally fragmented modern dating. Despite widespread awareness that checking a phone during a date is socially undesirable, the behavior is nearly ubiquitous.
- The Ubiquity of the Screen: An overwhelming 86 percent of survey respondents admitted to looking at their smartphone at least once during their most recent date.
- Frequency of Glances: Breaking down the numbers, 54 percent of participants checked their device one or two times; 21 percent checked it between three and five times; and 11 percent looked at their screens more than five times or completely lost count. Only 14 percent exercised total restraint, reporting zero phone checks.
- The Sensation of Being Ignored: The psychological toll of this habit is significant. 60 percent of participants reported feeling actively ignored because their companion was distracted by a phone. This specific social slight has a name: phubbing—a portmanteau of "phone" and "snubbing."
- Perception vs. Reality: A massive cognitive dissonance exists in how daters view their own digital habits. While 73 percent of respondents confidently claimed that it is easy for them to disconnect from their phones during an outing, 86 percent paradoxically admitted to using their devices during their very last date.
Chronology: The Evolution of the Study and Campaign
To understand how this modern social dilemma was brought to light, it is helpful to look at the timeline of the initiative that uncovered these behavioral trends:
- Mid-2026 (The Conceptualization Phase): Amore Group identified a growing cultural friction between digital distraction and the desire for authentic human connection, prompting the development of the "Más besos" campaign. Researchers designed a quantitative and qualitative survey aimed at urban Colombian adults.
- August 14–30, 2026 (Data Collection): Over a two-week period, researchers polled 765 individuals across three of Colombia’s largest cultural and economic centers: Bogotá, Cali, and Barranquilla. The goal was to map out cross-generational dating habits, expectations for romance, and the psychological impact of digital interruptions.
- September 16, 2026 (Public Release): Storia D’Amore officially published the findings of “¿Menos amor o más desconexión?”, igniting national conversations across media platforms regarding digital etiquette, interpersonal relationships, and the true cost of phubbing.
Supporting Data: Demographics and Generational Divides
A deeper dive into the survey data reveals fascinating nuances regarding age, generational perceptions, and what modern daters actually look for when seeking romance.
The Age Divide: Who Suffers Most from Phubbing?
Interestingly, the perception of being ignored due to smartphone usage varies drastically across age groups. The study uncovered an inverse relationship between age and sensitivity to digital distraction:
- Young Adults (18–24 years old): Among the youngest cohort, 49 percent reported feeling ignored by a phone-distracted companion. Ironically, this group also reported the highest rate of phone usage during dates, with only 11 percent able to resist checking their devices entirely.
- Older Adults (55+ years old): In stark contrast, 82 percent of respondents aged 55 and older reported feeling snubbed when their date turned attention to a screen. However, this older demographic demonstrated the highest self-control: 20 percent of those over 45 reported zero phone usage during their last date.
What Do Daters Actually Want?
When asked what elements define a successful romantic encounter, participants made it clear that physical and emotional presence trumps superficial romance.
- 68 percent stated that their primary desire for a romantic date was simply having a good conversation.
- 47 percent emphasized the need to disconnect from the phone and genuinely connect with the other person.
- 46 percent cited enjoying a good meal as a key component.
When defining the exact moments that elevate a routine outing into an unforgettable memory, verbal and emotional intimacy led the rankings:
- 37 percent chose meaningful conversation.
- 32 percent chose a warm embrace.
- 15 percent pointed to a meaningful look or gaze.
- 13 percent credited a kiss.
The Anatomy of Memorable Kisses
The survey also explored physical affection, revealing that romance cannot be forced or scripted.
- 58 percent of respondents reported that their most memorable kiss was completely unplanned.
- 38 percent recalled their first kiss with a partner as their most cherished affectionate memory, closely followed by 35 percent who cited unexpected, spontaneous kisses. Open-ended responses also highlighted profound emotional milestones, such as a mother’s kiss, wedding day kisses, and daily affectionate gestures toward children.
Official Responses: Insights from Industry Leadership
The data underscores a fundamental shift in how human beings navigate intimacy in the digital age. Alejandra Reyes, founder and Marketing Director of Amore Group, weighed in on the broader societal implications of the findings.
According to Reyes, the study was never intended to dictate rigid rules for romance, but rather to spark a much-needed cultural dialogue about the quality of everyday interactions.
"More than promoting a specific form of romance, the study raises a reflection on the quality of everyday encounters," Reyes explained. "People are not necessarily looking for a specific romantic outcome; they are looking for the environment that allows that affection to happen: conversation, attention, closeness, and disconnection from the phone."
Reyes emphasized that while technology promises boundless connectivity, it frequently induces emotional isolation precisely when individuals are physically closest to one another. The challenge for modern society is not necessarily banning smartphones from social settings, but consciously choosing human presence over digital distraction.
Implications: Reclaiming Presence in the Age of Algorithms
The widespread phenomenon of phubbing carries profound implications for modern relationships. Psychologists and relationship experts have long warned that chronic digital distraction erodes trust, diminishes perceived partner responsiveness, and lowers overall relationship satisfaction. When an individual checks a notification mid-conversation, it sends a subconscious message to their partner: “What is happening elsewhere is more important than you are right now.”
As cities like Bogotá, Cali, and Barranquilla continue to modernize and embrace digital integration, the findings from Storia D’Amore serve as a timely wake-up call. The data proves that beneath the modern veneer of apps, notifications, and screens, human desires remain fundamentally unchanged. People still crave eye contact, active listening, deep conversation, and the undivided attention of someone who cares.
Ultimately, the study’s central takeaway is simple yet profound: building a meaningful connection requires more than just showing up to a date. It requires putting the phone away, quieting the digital noise, and choosing to be fully present for the person sitting across the table.
