Gen Z is turning away from smartphones and embracing ‘dumbphones’ with minimal features to avoid excessive social media use, a phenomenon known as doomscrolling. This trend towards digital minimalism has been quietly growing among Gen Z, who are now the only generation spending less time on social media since 2021, according to GWI research.
The appeal of dull and basic phones is gaining popularity among young people who are seeking to escape the negative effects of constantly scrolling through social media feeds. The Boring Phone, a simplistic flip phone launched at Milan design week in collaboration with Heineken and Bodega, has captured the attention of those looking to disconnect from their smartphones in favor of a more simplistic device.
This shift towards ‘dumbphones’ is part of a larger trend where Gen Z is distancing themselves from the technological advancements they grew up with. Many young individuals believe that modern tech products are contributing to decreased attention spans and increased stress levels. This sentiment has sparked a revival of retro cultural items, known as Newtro, such as vinyl records, cassettes, 8-bit video games, and now old-fashioned phones.
The nostalgia for classic phones like the Nokia 3310 has led to its relaunch in 2017, but the real resurgence began in the US last year with TikTokers promoting the #bringbackflipphones hashtag. Companies like HMD, responsible for the Nokia relaunch, have seen a significant increase in flip phone sales, as well as Punkt, which focuses on minimalist phones.
Despite the rise of ‘dumbphones,’ major smartphone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung are not yet threatened, according to technology analyst Joe Birch. While smartphones continue to dominate the market, there is evidence that Gen Z is modifying their smartphone usage due to concerns about the negative impacts of constant digital connectivity. A survey conducted by Mintel revealed that three in five Gen Zers wish to be less connected to the digital world.
In addition to the desire to disconnect from social media, privacy concerns also play a role in Gen Z’s decision to shift away from smartphones. Many young individuals are more cautious about using social media platforms due to the potential privacy breaches by tech companies and governments.
While the revival of older technologies presents an opportunity for them to make a comeback, completely going offline in today’s world is challenging as essential services like education, healthcare, and finance are increasingly reliant on digital platforms.
Overall, the trend of Gen Z embracing ‘dumbphones’ reflects a growing desire to disconnect from the constant digital noise and prioritize mental well-being in an increasingly connected world.