Why Gen Z & Millennials are hung up on answering the phone

In today's world, many young people, particularly those from Generation Z and Millennials, are not fond of answering phone calls. Instead, they prefer to communicate through text messages or social media platforms. A recent survey conducted by Uswitch revealed that nearly 70% of individuals aged 18 to 34 would rather receive a text than engage in a phone conversation. This trend stands in stark contrast to older generations, who grew up using landlines and frequently conversed over the phone. For them, talking on the phone was a normal part of life, but for many young people today, it feels awkward and uncomfortable. Reflecting on my own teenage years, I remember receiving my first mobile phone, a pink flip Nokia, on my 13th birthday. I was thrilled to be able to text my friends and would spend countless hours crafting the perfect 160-character messages. I had to be cautious not to exceed the character limit, as sending texts came with a cost. Phone calls were reserved for emergencies, and I rarely used the landline to speak with anyone. Dr. Elena Touroni, a psychologist, explains that young people today did not develop the habit of talking on the phone, which is why it feels strange for them. Many young individuals believe that an unexpected phone call signifies bad news. This anxiety stems from the notion that phone calls often involve serious or challenging topics. For instance, Jack Longley, a 26-year-old, admits that he never answers unknown numbers because he assumes they are either scams or cold calls. Instead, he prefers to ignore the calls and stick to texting, which feels safer and more comfortable. Despite their aversion to phone calls, young people still maintain connections with their friends. Group chats on social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat have become incredibly popular. These chats are filled with amusing memes, gossip, and even voice notes. Voice notes represent a new form of communication for young people, but opinions on them are divided. Some individuals enjoy voice notes because they allow them to hear their friend's voice without the pressure of a phone call. Others, like myself, find them tedious, as they can be lengthy and filled with distractions. The fear of phone calls can also create challenges in the workplace. Henry Nelson-Case, a 31-year-old lawyer, shares his experiences with phone calls in his relatable videos. He finds them stressful due to the immediate responses they require and the potential for awkward situations. Dr. Touroni explains that phone calls feel more personal and intimate, while texting allows for more distance and less pressure. Some young professionals, such as Dunja Relic, a 27-year-old lawyer, actively avoid phone calls at work because they can be time-consuming. They prefer to communicate through emails or texts, which can be quicker and more efficient. James Holton, a 64-year-old business owner, has noticed that his younger employees often do not respond to phone calls. They might have their phones on silent or come up with excuses for not answering. He understands that if his employees are more comfortable with texting, he should respect that choice. However, there are still individuals who value phone calls. Ciara Brodie, a 25-year-old supermarket area manager, appreciates when her superiors call her because it demonstrates that they care. She enjoys conversing with her colleagues over the phone, especially when she is working from home and feels isolated. While some may perceive young people as being lazy or overly sensitive, it is essential to recognize that this trend is about adapting to new communication methods. Just as people had to transition from using fax machines to emails, we are now learning to communicate more through texts and social media. Perhaps it is time to embrace this change and leave behind the outdated practice of phone calls.