Gen Z is so afraid of phone calls that colleges are now teaching them how to pick up the phone!
Gen Z’s fear of phone calls has reached a whole new level—so much so that universities are now stepping in. Instead of picking up the phone, many young adults prefer texting, emailing, or even voice notes. But in the professional world, avoiding calls isn’t always an option. That’s why some colleges are now offering courses to help students overcome their "phone anxiety" and build confidence in real-time conversations. From role-playing exercises to practical tips, these classes aim to make dialing less terrifying. Here’s everything you need to know about this course!
Gen Z vs. Phone Calls: Pure Horror?
Older generations are frightened when Ghostface asks, "Are you alone?" on the phone—Gen Z is already scared when it rings. They barely use landlines, and even their smartphones aren’t really for calling anymore. Many young people find phone conversations awkward or even anxiety-inducing—a phenomenon known as telephobia. Instead of picking up, they prefer texting, voice notes, or just ignoring the call entirely. But avoiding phone calls can be a real problem in jobs, appointments, or even everyday situations. That’s why a college in the UK is tackling the issue head-on.
At Nottingham College, students take a unique course designed to help them overcome their fear of phone conversations. Sitting back-to-back, they simulate real phone calls using scripted dialogues, forcing them to communicate without visual cues. The idea is to remind them that there’s no monster on the other end—just another human being. By practicing in a controlled environment, students gain confidence and learn that phone calls aren’t as terrifying as they seem.
Fun fact: In Scream 5 , Jenna Ortega, born in 2002, first texts her friend about how annoying it is that the landline is ringing, then picks it up to hear Ghostface on the other end. That's what we call media representation.
The Rise of Texting Over Calling
Statistics speak for themselves: 23% of 18- to 34-year-olds never answer a phone call. In fact, around 61% of people in this age group would rather receive a message than an audio call. This trend shows how much communication habits are shifting, with younger generations opting for less intrusive ways to stay connected.
When it comes to sudden calls, more than half of those aged 18 to 24 associate them with bad news, which makes them hesitant to pick up the phone. Furthermore, 48% of participants prefer to communicate via social media, and just over a third would rather send a voice message than engage in a real-time conversation. It's clear: the era of spontaneous phone calls is slowly becoming a thing of the past.
Here are some ideas to solve this problem from the self-announced Gen Z speaker:
- Delayed Phone Calls: Imagine phone calls where the voice is delayed by about 10 seconds, making it feel more like communicating through voice notes.
- AI-Assisted Conversations: Feed an AI your information, and then let two AIs (or one AI and a boomer) have a conversation, with the result delivered to you via text.
- Double-Speed Talking: Create a feature where you can press the phone's 2x button, and the other person has to start talking in double time, or you are allowed to hang up.
- Positive Vibes Only: You're only allowed to call when you have good news, like calling less often in the future to share good news.
Would you join that course? Let us know in the comments.