The Rise of Texting: Why Gen Z and Millennials Prefer Messaging Over Phone Calls
In a world where phone calls were once the primary mode of communication, a new trend has emerged among Gen Z and millennials – the preference for texting over talking on the phone. A recent survey conducted by Uswitch revealed that a quarter of people aged 18 to 34 never answer the phone, opting instead to respond via text or search the number online if it’s unfamiliar.
Yasmin Rufo, a member of Gen Z, shared her experience of growing up in a texting-centric world. From meticulously crafting 60-character texts on her pink flip Nokia to avoiding costly mobile phone calls, Yasmin’s teenage years were defined by the art of texting. For her generation, phone calls were reserved for emergencies, while texting became the norm for everyday communication.
Dr. Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist, explains that the aversion to phone calls among young people stems from a lack of habit and a fear of the unknown. The association of unexpected calls with bad news can trigger anxiety, leading many to ignore incoming calls altogether.
But the shift towards texting doesn’t mean that young people are disconnected from their friends. Group chats on social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat have become the new norm, allowing for a mix of messages, memes, and even voice notes. While some embrace voice notes as a more personal form of communication, others find them tedious and prefer the brevity of text messages.
The workplace is not immune to this trend, with many young professionals avoiding phone calls in favor of emails or messaging. The ‘this could have been an email’ sentiment reflects a growing desire to protect one’s time and avoid the interruptions that come with phone calls.
Despite the convenience of texting, some, like Ciara Brodie, a 25-year-old area manager, still value the personal touch of a phone call. For Ciara, a call from a senior at work signifies appreciation and connection, especially on days when she works from home.
As communication continues to evolve, it’s clear that texting has become the preferred mode of interaction for many young people. While some may view this shift as a sign of the times, it’s ultimately about adapting to new ways of connecting. Just as we left behind fax machines in the 1990s, perhaps it’s time to bid farewell to the dreaded phone call in 2024.
