Phone Anxiety: UK College Introduces Course to Tackle ‘Telephonophobia’ in Gen Z
In recent years, an unsettling trend has emerged among Generation Z: phone anxiety. For a cohort that is usually adept at communicating through texts and social media, the act of making or receiving a phone call has become a daunting challenge. Despite their comfort with digital platforms, many young people now find themselves overwhelmed by the prospect of voice-to-voice conversations, a condition that experts are calling “telephonophobia.” This emerging issue has reached a point where it’s impacting both personal and professional spheres, leading some institutions to take action.
Nottingham College in the UK has stepped forward to address this growing concern by introducing a course specifically designed to help students overcome their fear of using the phone. As highlighted in a BBC report, Liz Baxter, a careers advisor at the college, pointed out that phone anxiety was becoming an increasingly prevalent issue among students. Baxter noted that many young people simply lack the confidence to make or receive calls, which is now regarded as a significant barrier to their communication skills.
Telephonophobia doesn’t just manifest in mental distress; it also has a physical impact on sufferers. Those with phone anxiety often experience symptoms like a racing heart, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath when faced with the prospect of a phone call. The emotional toll can be just as severe, with individuals feeling extreme nervousness before, during, and after the conversation, coupled with an overwhelming fear of making mistakes or being judged. Such anxiety can cause them to procrastinate or completely avoid making calls, even when it is essential.
Phone Anxiety in Gen Z
One of the key factors contributing to this phenomenon is the rise of social media platforms and text-based communication. While texting, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat provide an easier and less stressful way for Gen Z to express themselves, these methods of communication come with the downside of distancing them from face-to-face interactions and traditional voice calls. Social media allows them to curate their conversations, but phone calls—where immediate responses and unscripted dialogues are required—can feel uncomfortable and unpredictable.
This shift in communication styles has brought about some notable cultural changes, especially when it comes to sensitive topics. Breaking up with someone, for instance, is often done through text or social media, avoiding the potentially awkward and emotional exchange that a phone call might demand. It’s a trend that’s so prevalent that many people now view digital breakups as a preferable alternative, as it spares them from the discomfort of an in-person conversation or the perceived burden of a phone call.
In response to the challenges presented by this new communication landscape, Nottingham College has designed a practical solution. The college’s course is centered around helping students gradually build their phone confidence through structured activities. By using role-playing scenarios, students engage in mock interviews, practice answering common business inquiries, and learn to call businesses to ask questions, such as confirming opening hours or inquiring about products. These classroom exercises aim to desensitize students to the anxiety they associate with making calls and provide them with the skills necessary to navigate phone conversations with ease.
ALSO READ – Squid Game Season 3: Netflix Leak Reveals Release Date and Chilling New Twists?
The program is an effort to reintroduce and normalize phone conversations for a generation that has grown up in a world where digital communication reigns supreme. By encouraging students to engage with the telephone in a controlled, supportive environment, Nottingham College hopes to equip them with the tools needed to overcome their anxieties and develop stronger communication skills that are essential for success in both their personal and professional lives.
