Nova's Tim Blackwell: 'We tried to implement phone rules in the bedroom'

It's the 'phub' heard around the world — or the country, at least.

Married at First Sight (MAFS) bride Connie has taken issue with 'husband' Jonethen, saying his attachment to his phone left her feeling like a third wheel in her own marriage.

"He spends a stupid amount of time on his phone, like, he's so emotionally invested into social media," she said on the show.

Footage of Jonethen sharing a photo of his meal on Instagram during a night out with his bride added fuel to the fire of debate that has ignited around phone etiquette in relationships, and the act of 'phubbing'.

A 'phub' refers to snubbing someone mid-conversation, as in 'phone snubbing'.

"I can't get him off it [his phone]," Connie told show relationship dating experts John Aiken, Mel Schilling and Dr Trisha Stratford. "I've really gotta compete for his attention."

Jonethen tried to defend himself, telling Connie his phone addiction is due to his friendships on Instagram. She says she finds the situation "exhausting" and doesn't know what to do.

Nova's Tim Blackwell and 9Honey's Jo Abi discussed the issue on Today Extra on Tuesday with David Campbell and Belinda Russell, with Blackwell admitting he is a 'phubber'.

"Yeah, I'm a 'phubber', yeah absolutely," he said during the News Chat segment. "At the moment my laptop is at the Genius Bar for repair and I'm doing everything on my phone. I think if you're on a laptop, even though you could be on Facebook or something, it looks more important where as on your phone it looks like you're being rude or on social media."

Blackwell later told 9Honey he and wife Monique tried to resolve the issue in their relationship by implementing a ban.

"We tried to implement no phones in the bedroom," he said, adding that he feels Monique is on her phone more than he is, although he did admit she'd probably say the same thing about him.

"With the kids we've noticed it most," he said. "We both try very hard not to be on the phone while they're around."

Abi pointed out there is obviously more going on with Connie and Jonethen than just the 'phubbing' issue.

"She feels like he's a little too into his Instagram followers and 'Insta fame', so I think it's more than just using his phone," she said.

While speculation as to the status of the couple is rife, you'll have to tune into the show on Nine Network or catch up at 9Now.

What are your phone etiquette rules when it comes to relationships? Let us know at 9Honey@nine.com.au.