The simple act of making a phone call can be surprisingly daunting for many in Generation Z. What might seem like a minor inconvenience for older generations is, for a growing number of young adults, a source of significant anxiety. A recent story highlighting a 22-year-old man’s reliance on his mother to schedule a routine eye exam resonated widely, sparking a broader conversation about “call anxiety” and its potential implications for access to essential services.
The story, which gained traction on TikTok, featured Spencer Nolan and his mother as he attempted to schedule an appointment. While intended as a lighthearted demonstration of his mother’s continued involvement in his life, it quickly tapped into a shared experience for many Gen Z individuals. The video shows Nolan, with his mother providing support, navigating the basic steps of scheduling an appointment, stumbling over terminology (“pick-up exam” instead of “yearly exam”) and needing confirmation of even basic personal medical information, like whether he is diabetic.
This isn’t simply a case of youthful dependence. Research suggests a genuine and growing aversion to phone conversations among young people. A study out of Australia found that a staggering 90% of Gen Z actively avoid making calls. This isn’t merely a preference for texting or digital communication. it’s a demonstrable anxiety response.
The roots of this “call anxiety” are complex, but largely tied to the way this generation has grown up. Gen Z has come of age in a world dominated by instant messaging, email, and social media. These forms of communication allow for asynchronous interaction – the ability to carefully craft responses and avoid the immediacy and potential awkwardness of a live conversation. This constant reliance on digital communication has, according to experts, led to a skill atrophy when it comes to verbal interaction.
Mary Jane Copps, known as “The Phone Lady,” explains that phone communication is a skill that has been largely overlooked. “It turns out that taking on the phone is a skill and, for decades, we didn’t recognize that because we all did it,” she told CBS News. She suggests that actively practicing and reframing the experience can help alleviate anxiety.
But the implications of this anxiety extend beyond social awkwardness. Accessing healthcare, navigating insurance claims, dealing with bureaucratic processes – these often require direct phone communication. If a significant portion of the population experiences debilitating anxiety around this, it creates real barriers to essential services. A simple task like scheduling a doctor’s appointment, as illustrated by Nolan’s experience, can become a major hurdle.
The situation highlights a potential disconnect between the digital fluency of Gen Z and the continued reliance on traditional communication methods in many sectors. While online appointment scheduling is becoming more common, it’s not yet universally available. And even when online options exist, complex issues often require a phone call to resolve.
For those struggling with phone call anxiety, there are strategies that can help. Copps recommends visualizing positive phone interactions – surrounding oneself with images of people smiling while on the phone – to help reframe the experience. She emphasizes that the person on the other end of the line is also a human being, and is unlikely to judge minor stumbles or nervousness.
overcoming phone anxiety requires practice. As Nolan’s mother demonstrated, a supportive environment can be invaluable. While it may be tempting to shield young adults from these challenges, encouraging them to gradually take ownership of these tasks – even with initial support – is crucial for developing essential life skills and ensuring access to necessary services. Nolan’s subsequent attempt to schedule a dental appointment, though less smooth, underscores the importance of continued practice.
The rise of call anxiety in Gen Z is a phenomenon worth taking seriously. It’s not simply a matter of generational differences or a preference for technology. It’s a potential public health issue that could have significant consequences for access to care and other essential services. Addressing this challenge will require a multi-faceted approach, including education, skill-building, and a willingness to adapt communication methods to meet the needs of a changing population.
