For the younger generations today, texting has become the new ‘normal’.  Research has found that callingis not preferred by Gen Z. According to  2024 data by Uswitch (UK),  56 per cent of individuals aged 18 to 34 associate unexpected calls with bad news, leading many to avoid answering altogether. Think about that next time you wonder why your younger cousin hasn’t picked up in two days but just sent a fire emoji on your last story.

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But the question is, why is Gen Z so avoidant when it comes to calls? Convenience is a big factor here. Texts give you space to think before replying, avoid awkward silences, and respond on your own terms. It also helps when a Gen Z is multitasking like juggling a Zoom call, three browser tabs, and a coffee they forgot to sip. Plus, texts are short and clean. You can scroll back to double-check what someone said, something you can’t do mid-call unless you’ve got a photographic memory. 

 

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Why Are Gen Z Dodging Phone Calls?

Gen Zs usually feel uneasy answering a phone call. They don't dislike talking; they just care about how and when it happens. Phone calls require quick replies, which can clash with how they prefer to communicate. In their world, they can read, rewrite, and edit messages before sending them. This has given rise to ‘telephobia’ which is not just about avoiding awkward conversations; it's a genuine anxiety for many. As per a 2024 study cited in the Journal of Family Medicine And Primary Care, the immediacy and unpredictability of calls can be overwhelming, especially when compared to the control offered by texting.

 

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How Phone Calls Spike Gen Z’s Anxiety

For many young adults, a ringing phone means something’s wrong. Growing up, important (and usually serious) news often came through a phone call, not a text. So now, even a casual call can trigger panic before they even answer. 

Here’s how phone calls can cause them anxiety:

• Lack of Control: Phone calls interrupt whatever you're doing, demanding attention right now, even if you're mid-task, mentally drained, or just not in the mood.
• No Time to Think: In a text, you can pause, think, retype, delete, and reword. On a call, once it’s said, it’s out there. which means no going back and it scares them the most. This makes sensitive conversations especially nerve-wracking.
• Pressure to Perform: Picking up the phone means you have to sound friendly, alert, and emotionally present, even if you’re in bed, halfway through a meltdown, or in line at the grocery store.
• Interrupts their Digital Time: They’re used to multitasking: scrolling Instagram, checking email, all while listening to a podcast. Amid this, a phone call pulls them out of that flow and demands full attention. It’s like switching from streaming Netflix to watching live cable TV, which adds to their anxiety. 

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How to Boost Confidence & Communicate Better With Gen Zs

Phone calls aren’t everyone’s thing, especially for Gen Zs. But that doesn’t mean communication has to break down. With a bit of understanding and the right approach, you can foster better, more confident conversations, even with someone who’d rather send a hundred texts than answer a call.

 

1. Start with a Message or Voice Note

One of the simplest, most respectful things you can do is give someone a heads-up before dialing. Sending a quick message like, “Hey, is now a good time for a quick call?” shows that you value their time and mental space. For someone with phone anxiety, this can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling prepared. Plus, people can listen to it multiple times if they need to catch all the details, which can reduce stress.

 

2. Let Them Know It’s Nothing Urgent or Serious

Phone anxiety often comes from the fear that a call may be something serious or stressful. You can help by diffusing that anxiety upfront. Try including a light disclaimer like, “Nothing urgent, just wanted to run something by you,”. This small gesture can instantly lower the emotional temperature and make them more open to picking up.

 

3. Keep Your Talk Short And Clear

For people who aren’t naturally comfortable with phone calls, rambling or unpredictable conversations can feel overwhelming. That doesn’t mean you need a formal script, but it helps to have a few clear points in mind before you start the call. Stick to the purpose, communicate clearly, and keep the call concise. Respecting their time and attention makes the experience smoother and encourages them to engage more often.

 

4. Create Low-Stress Practice Opportunities

If you’re in a close relationship with someone, whether as a friend, family member, teacher, or manager, you can gently help them get more comfortable with calls over time. Start by having short, low-pressure conversations about fun or easy topics. A quick chat about movies, weekend plans, or something funny that happened at work can help ease the fear tied to phone conversations. The more positive phone experiences they have, the less intimidating future ones will feel.

 

5. Do Not Take It Personally

If someone declines your call or asks to text instead, it’s often about their comfort level, not their feelings about you. Phone call anxiety is real, and a lot of it is tied to generational shifts in how we communicate. Being aware of that and not taking it personally goes a long way toward building mutual respect.

 

In a world of constant texting and calling, choosing how and when to engage is an act of self-care. Telephobia is changing the course of communication standards in a digital-first generation. And understanding that gives all of us the chance to build stronger, more thoughtful preferences and comfort levels. With patience, empathy, and a willingness to adjust, anyone can become better at connecting with people who find calls stressful. In the end, communication is about meeting people where they are, and that’s something we can all work on together.

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