IMAGINE a world where the very thought of answering a phone call sends shivers down your spine.
For many Millennials and Gen Z, this isn’t a scene from a horror movie – telephonophobia is their everyday reality, particularly for those who have just stepped into the workforce.
So, is it true that Gen Z and millennials are prone to telephonophobia?
Verdict:
TRUE
Research shows that these two groups tend to struggle more with making or taking phone calls.
Experts explain that this fear stems from the immediacy and unpredictability of phone conversations, which can feel intimidating to those more accustomed to the controlled environment of text-based communication.
For Millennials and Gen Z, who grew up in the age of the Internet and smartphones; texting, social media and instant messaging are the norm.
These platforms allow users to carefully curate their responses and edit messages before sending them.
In contrast, phone calls require on-the-spot thinking and real-time engagement, which can be overwhelming for individuals who are less comfortable with verbal communication.
Experts point out that this aversion is not just about convenience – it’s also about anxiety. The immediacy of phone calls means there is no time to carefully consider responses, which can lead to feelings of vulnerability.
For many young people, phone calls have also become associated with negative connotations.
Receiving a call, especially from an unknown number, is often perceived as indicating an emergency or something urgent.
This has led to a general discomfort with answering the phone, further reinforcing the preference for text-based communication.
However, while many young people do experience telephonophobia, others still value the personal connection that phone calls can provide.
The key, according to experts, is balance – understanding when a phone call is necessary and when a text message suffices.
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