Gen Z Reinvents Landlines Using Cellphones
In an era of smartphone addiction, young adults in America are exploring creative ways to curb their screen time. A growing movement among Gen Z and millennials is reminiscent of a past reliant on landlines, as they seek a balance between technology and a simpler life.
Young Adults Revisit Landlines
According to a Pew Research survey from late 2023, over 40% of American adults feel they are on their phones almost constantly. This figure rises to 62% among those under 30. Furthermore, a 2022 Gallup survey found that 81% of adults in this age group believe they are using their phones excessively.
The Search for Simplicity
One of the more notable experiments in this endeavor comes from Tiffany Ng, a 24-year-old tech writer from New York. In a bid to reduce her attachment to her smartphone, Ng chained her device to a wall. She aimed to transform her phone experience into something akin to using a landline, fostering distance from constant notifications.
Ng’s idea strikes a chord with others like her. Many young people are opting to create physical boundaries with their devices. This can involve making a wall-mounted dock to “hang up” their phones or even abandoning smartphones for simpler devices.
Improving Quality of Life
- Maddie DeVico, a 31-year-old sales professional from Denver, made a phone docking station to alleviate her stress from constant connectivity.
- DeVico reported a reduction of three hours in her daily screen time, along with increased time for hobbies and personal interactions.
- Amental health perspective shared by researcher Yalda Uhls notes that creating physical distance from phones can enhance productivity and mental well-being.
A Growing Movement
This movement is not restricted to individual experimentation. It reflects a broader trend among young adults who yearn for deeper connections. During an anti-technology rally in New York City, some participants vocally criticized smartphone culture.
Moreover, Catherine Goetze, a millennial content creator, has introduced a twist on the tradition of landlines. She converted an old rotary phone into a Bluetooth device integrated with her smartphone, allowing her to filter important calls without being overwhelmed by notifications. Her venture, Physical Phones, garnered significant interest, generating over $118,000 in pre-sales within 72 hours.
Embracing Mindfulness
The essence of these innovations lies in promoting mindful technology use rather than completely rejecting it. Many young adults are not looking to revert to a time without smartphones. Instead, they hope to harness the benefits of modern technology while minimizing distractions.
As more individuals like Ng, DeVico, and Goetze explore alternative approaches to smartphone usage, a cultural shift may be underway—a shift that values peace, presence, and human connection over constant connectivity.
