What’s Gen Z’s biggest gripe these days? It’s hard to pin down just one. Their list of grievances seems endless. But there’s one peculiar fear that’s creating quite the buzz: the paralyzing dread of making or receiving phone calls. Yes, telephonophobia is officially a thing—and it’s not just a fleeting meme.
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One UK institution, Nottingham College, has decided enough is enough. They’ve stepped up with a practical solution to this generational quirk: coaching sessions aimed at helping Gen Z students tackle their fear of the phone. Careers advisor Liz Baxter explained to the BBC that young people often lack the confidence to handle phone conversations, a skill their elders might take for granted. “Phone anxiety is something we come across regularly,” she noted. And for a generation raised on texts, TikToks, and DMs, the idea of calling someone—even for something as mundane as checking store hours—feels as foreign as using a rotary phone.

Telephonophobia, which manifests as everything from stomach-churning nausea to rapid heartbeats and sweaty palms, is no laughing matter for those who experience it. The condition is rooted in social anxiety, often linked to fears of judgment or public humiliation. And for a demographic that thrives on the carefully curated, asynchronous world of social media, the immediacy of phone calls can feel like stepping into the lion’s den.
Nottingham College’s program doesn’t just stop at pep talks—it’s all about hands-on practice. Students engage in role-playing exercises that mimic real-life scenarios, like answering interview questions or calling a restaurant to ask for their opening hours. These bite-sized tasks help participants gradually push past their discomfort. Baxter believes that these small steps can help students build confidence one call at a time.
For some, this training is a lifeline. Donna, a 16-year-old student, admitted she often associates phone calls with emergencies, making them inherently nerve-wracking. “It’s normalized for our generation to just text,” she said. “If there’s a phone call, I assume it’s something urgent or bad.” Another student, Evie, 17, confessed she avoids calls altogether, reserving them only for her parents. “It feels too formal—it’s just not something we’re used to,” she explained, emphasizing how texting feels like a safer and more familiar communication method.
The broader implications of telephonophobia extend beyond personal relationships. In a professional setting, being able to handle a phone call with poise is a crucial skill. Yet, Gen Zers are increasingly opting for digital communication, even in situations where a phone call would be quicker and more effective. This shift has fueled criticism from older generations, who sometimes perceive this reluctance as a lack of resilience or professionalism.
Interestingly, some young adults are beginning to break free from the shackles of telephonophobia. Kyle Butterworth, 28, shared his journey of overcoming phone anxiety. Once paralyzed by the thought of calling someone, he now finds himself easing into voice conversations with a newfound confidence. His advice to younger peers? Start small and stay consistent.
Still, for a generation accustomed to asynchronous communication and emojis that convey volumes, the phone represents a peculiar paradox. It’s both a relic of the past and a hurdle to overcome. Baxter and her team at Nottingham College remain hopeful, one role-play session at a time, that they can help their students take back the receiver and, perhaps, redefine the role of the phone in a digital-first world.
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