No generation can escape criticism and stereotypes, and Generation Z is certainly no different. This is not to say that all general claims made about Gen Z are based in truth. For example, because Gen Z tech users grew up texting, a common belief is that Gen Z will do just about anything to avoid talking on the phone. However, based on the results of a recent YouGov survey, it appears that Gen Z is more comfortable with phone calls than some would have assumed.
That said, who calls matters. The survey found that nearly half of Gen Zers surveyed would be “very comfortable” calling a friend or family member, with 34% indicating they would be “somewhat comfortable.” Only about 3% of Gen Z survey participants agreed they would be “very uncomfortable” making such a call. It’s worth noting that a percentage of participants across all age groups surveyed (including Millennials, Gen
The study confirmed that Gen Zers might be less comfortable calling strangers. Specifically, the study found that 36% of Gen Zers would be somewhat uncomfortable calling strangers, with 29% indicating they would be very uncomfortable doing so. On the other hand, 15% of Millennials also said they would feel very uncomfortable calling strangers, as did 16% of Gen X respondents.
Gen Z’s tech habits mix new behavioral trends and a celebration of retro media
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It makes sense that Gen Z’s phone habits differ from those of previous generations. They have had access throughout their lives to alternative methods of connecting with people. As such, they may be less accustomed to talking on the phone than older people, which might naturally make them less inclined to make and receive calls in general. The survey results support this hypothesis, with Gen Z least comfortable calling anyone (although, again, they are more comfortable calling friends and family than popular opinion suggests).
The survey also addresses other common myths about Gen Z phone use that you may have encountered. For example, despite some viral claims online, members of Generation Z are not inclined to answer the phone silently. As long as the call comes from someone they know, Gen Z phone users are slightly less likely than others to say “Hello” or the equivalent when they pick up the phone.
It’s also worth noting that in other areas, Gen Z might be driving some behaviors, trends, and overall attitudes when it comes to technology. In the age of streaming, Generation Z has started to embrace physical media again. They’re also starting to use physical alarm clocks to put some distance between themselves and their phone when they get some sleep. They’re even bringing back the small digital cameras that Millennials used to document their lives before smartphones made taking and uploading photos much easier. Yes, they may use their phones a little differently than previous generations, but they should – after all, their phones are literally different.
