Telephobia: Gen Z’s fear of the ring
A majority of Gen Z are suffering from telephobia. Experts have shared advice on how to overcome the fear of the ring.
In a time when communication options are endless, some tech-savvy Gen Z are consumed with anxiety by the simple ringing of a phone. Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, are struggling with telephobia, a fear or anxiety around making and receiving telephone calls.
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According to Liz Baxter, a careers advisor at Nottingham College in the U.K., Gen Z hasn't had much opportunity to make and receive phone calls due to defaulting to texting, voice notes and other methods.
Many of the college's pupils are expected to take telephone interviews for job applications but are "falling at that hurdle" due to a lack of awareness and confidence. In a class of 25-30 students, at least three-quarters experience anxiety about using the telephone. The college's telephobia seminar helps pupils practice phone call scenarios like making a doctor's appointment or calling in sick to work.
Gen Z's anxiety stems from fear of the unknown, associating the ringing phone with fear. A Uswitch survey found almost a quarter of 18-34-year-olds never pick up phone calls and 61% prefer receiving a message rather than an audio call. Gen Z is concerned with how they sound on calls without visual feedback.
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Baxter noted that phone calls don't have to be scary. Preparing the environment, writing cheat notes, and practising breathing exercises can minimise anxiety. "Take back the power" by knowing you're in control of the call and can end it if needed.
Someone could be calling with good news, like passing an interview or exam.
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