“Hello, you’ve reached XYZ’s voicemail. Please note that I won’t be checking messages or returning calls, so no need to leave one.”
And these are so Gen Zs, as they just don’t like talking to people on the phone.
According to a recent survey, about 25% of people aged 18 to 34 never answer phone calls. Many ignore the ringing, opt to text back, or search the number online if it’s unfamiliar. The Uswitch survey of 2,000 individuals also revealed that nearly 70% of those aged 18–34 prefer texting over making phone calls.
For older generations, phone conversations were a norm, including with parents as they have been through the era of landlines.
However, speaking to some Genz around, Srishti an employee in NewsX shared, “I prefer texting, because i can let out all my feelings at once and this also helps me avoid listening to others.”
This will definitely sound rude to Boomers (Parents or elders to them), as they have spent time reaching out people on the phone and believe it to be an easy mode of communication.
Recalling the time when Nokia phone had generation when patience and price were a challenge. When 3 minimum button press were needed to type a letter with minimum of 60 characters, it cost 10p per message.
Speaking to Priyanka- employee on NewsX said, “I only answer calls if they are important or a priority; otherwise, I rarely pick them up.”
So, instead of talking on call, young people remain connected through group chats that buzz with a mix of trivial messages, memes, and gossip. Many of these interactions now occur on social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, where sending images and memes alongside texts is common.
Although phone calls are largely avoided, the use of voice notes has sparked debate among younger generations. The Uswitch survey found that 37% of 18-34 year olds prefer voice notes, while only 1% of those aged 35-54 share this preference.
Not talking on the phone doesn’t mean that young people aren’t staying connected with their friends—our group chats are constantly active throughout the day with a mix of casual messages, memes, gossip, and more recently, voice notes. Many of these interactions have shifted to social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, which make it easier to share images and memes along with text.
While phone calls are generally avoided, voice notes have become a point of contention among younger generations. According to the Uswitch survey, 37% of people aged 18-34 prefer using voice notes for communication, compared to just 1% of those aged 35-54.
