Known for their mastery of social media and TikTok trends, Gen Z is now grappling with a new challenge: phone anxiety, or “telephonophobia.” Despite being highly skilled in texting and online communication, many young adults experience stress and fear when making or receiving phone calls, worrying about saying the wrong thing or being judged.
Understanding Phone Anxiety: The Struggles of Gen Z with Communication
According to Liz Baxter, a careers advisor at Nottingham College, many students struggle with a lack of confidence when using the phone, and the anxiety they experience goes beyond simple discomfort. It often triggers physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate, dizziness, and nausea, leading to a strong desire to avoid phone calls altogether.
The rise of phone anxiety among Gen Z can be attributed to their preference for digital communication, which offers more control over conversations. Unlike face-to-face interactions, phone calls lack non-verbal cues, leading to the tendency to overthink every word. Social anxiety and the fear of judgment make texting or using platforms like Instagram and TikTok feel like safer alternatives.
Building Confidence: How Nottingham College is Addressing Gen Z’s Phone Anxiety
Nottingham College is tackling this issue by providing creative coaching sessions aimed at boosting students’ confidence in phone conversations. These courses include role-playing exercises that mimic real-world phone scenarios, like job interviews or difficult discussions. The goal is to help students overcome their fear of phone calls and handle them with poise, benefiting both their career development and personal growth.
Gen Z’s reluctance to make phone calls is part of a wider cultural shift, where they often prefer text-based communication, even in personal matters like breaking up with someone via text instead of over the phone. While older generations may view this shift as trivial, it marks a significant change in Gen Z’s interactions. With ongoing practice, phone calls could see a resurgence in the future.
