Teenagers are rejecting phone calls: why phone conversations have become a source of stress

Modern teenagers, who spend a lot of time on their phones, avoid answering calls, considering text messages a more convenient way to communicate. Research shows that young people view written communication as a way to manage emotions and time, evading phone calls which they consider stressful and a loss of control.

16-year-old Mehdi said: 'When I see that my dad is calling, I might not answer. It's better to just reply later.'

In a world of hyper-connectivity, rejecting phone calls for teenagers serves as a way to protect personal boundaries. They often switch their phones to silent mode to enjoy peace and quiet.

New rules of communication

In this new context, asking for permission to call before actually calling has become a new norm. It promotes respect for the other person's personal space and opens up new avenues for establishing contact and internal communication.

16-year-old Lukas said: 'My friends know that I might not answer right away. They always ask in a message if I'm ready to talk. This shows respect for my personal zone.'

Members of Generation Z, such as Zoomers, actively reject traditional greetings at the beginning of a call. This is a new signal that the way youth communicate is changing, taking into account their needs and convenience.

Scientists have identified a change in the ways teenagers communicate, which is expressed in the rejection of phone calls in favor of text messages. Young people find written communication more convenient and less stressful, indicating an evolution in forms of interaction in the digital age.