Telephonophobia: Understanding Why Gen Zers Have Phone Anxiety

By Moon Harper

Jun 10, 2024 06:55 AM EDT

Regardless of the method, communication in the workplace can often induce stress for individuals in corporate settings. The constant alerts signaling a Microsoft Teams call or a new Slack message has become deeply embedded in our consciousness, particularly as they were heavily utilized during the pandemic.

Employers are trying to address this issue by mandating a return to the office. While older employees are making efforts to prioritize phone calls over virtual meetings and emails, Gen Z individuals who experience phone anxiety are particularly hesitant to engage in phone calls, even in a professional setting.

Phone Calls — (Photo : Unsplash/Alexander Andrews )

What Is Driving Gen Zers Phone Anxiety?

Gen Z's telephonophobia presents an intriguing topic for discussion in the workplace. A generation seemingly inseparable from their phones would exhibit such reluctance to use one of its most fundamental functions. The underlying reasons behind Gen Z's phone anxiety are not immediately clear, as multiple factors contribute to the issue.

One primary factor is the generation's lack of familiarity with phone calls. Gen Z individuals have not had the same exposure or experience with this form of interaction, unlike previous generations, from Boomers to Millennials, who have witnessed the advent and widespread adoption of audio calling and consider phone calls a swift and natural mode of communication.

For Gen Z individuals, activities like FaceTiming friends and family, engaging in video calls, sending Snaps, responding to Instagram stories, and communicating through emoji-based interactions feel more natural. Even as they enter the workforce, their communication habits often involve in-person discussions, email correspondence, and various messaging apps. In contrast, phone calls still pose a challenge for them with their absence of visual cues. Workplace communication follows a structured format, with scheduled meetings featuring specific agendas clarifying what to anticipate. On the other hand, phone calls are seldom as meticulously planned as other forms of communication.

Even when filing complaints or seeking details about a specific service, interactions often begin with chatbots before reaching a human representative who can assist. Some may quickly label individuals from the Gen Z cohort as "snowflakes" or "antisocial," but it is crucial to recognize the context in which these behaviors developed.

Discussions have also centered around the fear of prolonged conversations during phone calls. Gen Z's aversion to phone calls also arises from the perception that such discussions can often veer into lengthy and trivial topics without a clear endpoint. Text-based communications offer a more streamlined experience, allowing conversations to conclude once the primary focus has been addressed, with the option to incorporate additional media to convey the tone. Additionally, it is easier to formulate responses and articulate thoughts through written channels. As a result, we are beginning to grasp the rationale behind Gen Z's telephonophobia.

The Repercussion of Avoiding Phone Calls in Corporate Setting

Gen Z individuals need to address their telephonophobia, as many job application processes still initiate with a phone call. A recruiter might become frustrated if they encounter difficulty reaching you via phone and may opt to pursue other candidates who are more readily accessible. By making yourself inaccessible through traditional methods, employers must seek alternative means of contact, which may not leave the best first impression. Overcoming the fear of phone conversations is beneficial for your professional growth, as effective phone communication skills can be valuable later in your career.