Why Gen Z is avoiding phone calls and what's being done about it

Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, have developed a fear of talking on the phone, termed "telephonophobia." Nottingham College in the U.K. offers coaching sessions to help Gen Z overcome this fear, according to the BBC. These sessions include role-playing and other exercises to make people comfortable with phone conversations. 

What we know:

According to a survey of 2,000 people by Uswitch, 70% of individuals aged 18 to 34 prefer texting or social media communication over phone calls. 23% of the same age group say they never answer phone calls. More than half assume a phone call means bad news. 

Despite this, 53% would be offended if friends or family didn’t call to announce happy news, such as a pregnancy or engagement. Respondents feel more in control when texting, as it allows them time to think about how to approach a conversation. Many keep their phones on silent due to the anxiety caused by the sound of a ringing phone.

What we don't know:

The long-term societal impacts of telephonophobia on communication and relationships. 

Why you should care:

This shift in communication preferences impacts both personal and professional relationships. Understanding these trends can help employers, educators, and families adapt to changing communication styles and address anxieties. The growing reliance on non-verbal communication could have implications for how future generations develop interpersonal skills.

What's next:

Continued development of courses and coaching to address phone anxiety, like the one at Nottingham College. Increased exploration of alternative communication methods that balance comfort and effectiveness. Potential innovations in phone technology to mitigate fears of spam or unknown callers.