Many people may notice that friends, relatives, or family members often remind them about the need to call. However, this is not the fault of one person or another; it is a characteristic of an entire generation—Generation Z. Generation Z also avoids calls and experiences panic when receiving sudden phone calls.
The essence is that communication methods have fundamentally changed in the digital age. What was once considered the simplest and most direct way to communicate—a phone call—is now becoming a source of anxiety and stress among the new generation, namely Generation Z.
There are numerous reports claiming that Generation Z is moving towards an environment where text messages are preferred over direct voice communication. In the technical world, this state is called telefobia or anxiety about phone calls. It has become common for a person to freeze upon seeing a call, and after the conversation ends, immediately send a message such as 'What happened?' or 'Is everything okay?'
According to a viral report based on a CNBC survey, about 75 percent of young people in Generation Z avoid unknown or unexpected phone calls. For them, an unexpected call feels like a sign of trouble or an undesirable situation.
Young people provide arguments for avoiding calls. Analysis by psychologists and reports shows that a phone conversation requires real-time reaction. One must respond immediately, and there is a fear of making a mistake in the conversation without prior preparation. In contrast, WhatsApp, Instagram direct messages, and text messages give young people time and control to think through, compose, and edit their thoughts. For them, text communication creates a safe space to conclude a dialogue without social pressure. Therefore, voice notes are also becoming increasingly popular because they contain a voice but remove the psychological pressure of an immediate response from the interlocutor. Among constant notifications, a phone call is perceived by many young people as an unwanted intrusion.
This influence is now manifesting in the professional sphere. On professional platforms such as Business Insider and LinkedIn, discussions have intensified about how young professionals, by distancing themselves from phone calls, might unknowingly harm themselves. Senior managers and clients in the workplace often prefer quick calls for immediate problem-solving, whereas Generation Z employees tend to stick to email or chats. In the work environment, call phobia hinders new employees from building connections, passing interviews, and establishing relationships with clients. Career experts believe that relying solely on messages increases the communication gap, and many professional opportunities are missed.
In light of this growing issue, some initiatives have been launched. Many colleges and universities in the UK and the US conduct workshops and modules on telephone etiquette for students. These classes practice confident phone communication through role-playing, call simulations, and professional situation simulations. Mental health specialists are also gradually advising a method of gradual acclimatization. According to them, one can start with short calls to friends or family members, having previously written down the main points, and then gradually move on to professional calls.
Overall, this behavior of Generation Z is explained not by laziness, but by the influence of the digital culture in which they grew up. This new model emphasizes personal freedom and peace of mind, yet the importance of phone calls in the practical world has not completely disappeared. Thus, creating a balance in the future is considered the biggest challenge for this generation and a potential solution to this problem.
