'Please send me to a mental institution.' Mom describes her daughter's struggle with social media
05:02 - Fuente:CNN Business
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First, there were disposable cameras. Then there were the low-rise jeans. Now Gen-Z's latest "classic" obsession is the foldable phone, that phone from the mid-'90s that suddenly became so popular with millennials.
Today these smaller and lighter devices, some available for as little as $20 at major retailers like Walmart and Amazon, are featured in TikTok videos of young people opening them up, arranging their cases like older generations did, and filming tutorials on how to get one. jaunty, blurry aesthetics through a low-quality camera.
But most importantly, they love the ability to go offline, or as much as possible. in 2023.
“I am the flip phone revolution as a team”, the singer Camila CabellotweetedThursday, posing with a TCL flip phone,ancient. "Maybe I can write the theme song."
Actress Dove Cameron, who rose to fame on Disney Channel's "Liv and Maddie," said in Novemberinterviewthat he had switched to a flip phone. Spending too much time on the phone and on social media "is really bad for me," she said.
"I found a little '90s Matrix flip phone," Cameron said. "I have a separate number for that, it's very cheap and I think probably pretty bad."
Cameron said he hung up and switched because he found his social media presence "misleading." the feeling prevails between Generation Z - and their The impact has been linked to an adolescent mental health crisis.
As smartphones and social media became more ubiquitous around 2012, so did theteen depression ratesay psychologists. Between 2004 and 2019, the rate of teen depression nearly doubled, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, part of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
a new trend
Sammy Palazzolo, 18, a freshman at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has a new phone routine on a night out with friends.
She and her friends listen to the latest music on their smartphones as they get ready. So when it's time to go, they leave those smart devices behind.
Instead, they only communicate via their flip phones at night and take photos of them, despite the now-primitive camera. Your devices are a great conversation starter.
“At parties, people say, 'My God, is that a flip phone?'” Palazzolo said. “We get to talk to some new people, meet some people, and everyone loves it.”
Reagan Boeder, 18, said she is trying to get her sorority sisters to follow suit.
"I think people are going to hang out with flip phones more and more just because it's so fun and nostalgic and quite honestly cool." these estates.
Before switching phones, Palazzolo discovered that his nights in his college town often ended in tears over an undesirable situation. social media post or a text from an ex, “the root cause was our phones.”
Asvintage technologybegan to make a comeback, they came up with an unconventional solution.
In December, she and three friends went to her local Walmart. The process was unfamiliar to 18-year-olds, from which model to buy to finding the right phone plan. After four hours, Palazzolo bought AT&T Flex for $49.99; her friends got cheaper models for $19.99 through Tracphone.
palazzolo'sTik Tokencouraging others to buy foldable phones has more than 14 million views and more than 3 million likes, with hashtags including #BRINGBACKFLIPPHONES and #y2kaesthetic.
“It takes all the bad stuff out of college and brings all the good stuff to a phone,” Palazzolo said. “What is connecting with people and taking photos and videos. The photos and videos about it are fire.”
HMD Global, Nokia's exclusive licensee, said Gen Z is an unusual demographic for the company. Both companies are based in Finland.
“This is a generation that didn't have a Nokia as their first phone and probably discovered our brand through social media,” said Jackie Kates, HMD Global marketing director.
Generation Z is used to the many features that come with smartphones, from its many applications such as Instagram, Find My Friends or GPS. But there are also security issues that arise from relying on these simple devices. Without the "find mine" tracking feature, Palozzolo said she and her friends stay close and use a buddy system to track who's where.
Palozzolo wanted to wear a flip phone during the summer of high school because he thought it would be "cool." “My parents said absolutely no, we need to be able to track it,” she said.
back to the vintage
Palazzolo is no stranger to "classic" technology: She's been carrying a digital camera to parties since her sophomore year of high school.
And while Apple's iPhone 14 Pro has a 48-megapixel camera, you miss out on the delayed gratification of waiting to develop photos or download them to a computer. Popular apps like “Hisptamatic” and “Dazz Cam” recreate photos from film and digital cameras and have thousands of downloads.
The disposable camera market is expected togrow up$1.23 billion by 2030. Celebrities like TikTokkercharlie d'amelioand modelEmily Ratajkowskijoined the 2000s-era digital camera trend.
“I love photos on flip phones because they look grainy and blurry,” Palazzolo said. "And I think that perfectly captures the vibe of hanging out in college."
Perhaps one of the reasons Generation Z is looking forward to the 1990s and 2000s era is privacy and the absence of carefully selected images. It's social media at its most casual: photo dumps of candid shots andin reals, a popular app that asks its users once a day to take a selfie in real time and post it in two minutes.
“I never want to be that person who is on the phone all the time,” Boeder said. “Getting a foldable phone made it more possible.”
Back then, “people were more engaged with each other than they were with our phones and social media,” Boeder said. “It seemed like people were talking to each other more and everything was more genuine and spontaneous.”
HMD Global said many people like the idea of being less available.
"We attribute this shift to the fact that many smartphone users are beginning to recognize that they spend too much time glued to their devices and have a strong desire to disconnect and 'be fully present' to improve the quality of their social connections." Kates said.
and yes, new Nokia flip phones are still available: The Nokia 2760 Flip is being sold at Walmart from pay-as-you-go brands like Verizon for $19.99. The 2780 can be found at Amazon and Best Buy for $89.99.
an emerging market
Em 2022, an International Data Corporationisthan the foldable phone market it was expected to reach $29 billion by 2025, a compound annual growth of 70%. Samsung has sold more than 10 million units since the launch of its first-generation model, which accounted for more than 88% of the global foldable smartphone market in 2022.
These aren't your $30 disposable flip phones at Walmart. An unlocked Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 starts at $1,799.99 and the Galaxy Z Flip4 at $999.99.
“Samsung chose to bet on its folding smartphones; a decision it has made is well ahead of its rivals in the number and sales of foldable smartphones,” said Zaker Li, principal analyst atOm Daymobile device equipment.
Omdia attributed the high price of Samsung's foldable phones to poor sales of its previous models, but sales "raised rapidly" for 9 million units in 2021, 309% more year on year.
Apple need not worry though: Omdia expects that by 2026, foldable phones will account for 3.6% of the total smartphone market. By comparison, Apple's market share is more than half of the entire smartphone market.
FAQs
Why is Gen Z ditching smartphones for flip phones? ›
The trend is driven by a desire to dial back screen time and the use of social media. NBC's Emilie Ikeda reports for TODAY. More and more young people are dialing into the joys of simple tech by flocking to flip phones. The trend is driven by a desire to dial back screen time and the use of social media.
What is Gen Z's new vintage technology to obsess over? ›First, it was disposable cameras. Then it was low-rise jeans. Now, Gen-Z's latest “vintage” obsession is the flip phone – that mid-1990s era phone that has suddenly become oh so popular with millennials.
Is foldable phone the future? ›2023 might be the year of foldable devices, as more OEMs have reportedly decided to bet on the emerging segment with new designs. More so, 2023 might usher in new form factors and use cases for foldable display technology.
Why are kids going back to flip phones? ›The retro technology is seen by some as a way to dial back on social media, avoid doomscrolling and improve their relationship with tech.
Why millennials are scared of talking on the phone? ›While 75% of millennials say they're avoiding phone calls because they're too time-consuming, there's an even bigger reason they don't like to talk on the phone. It turns out that, according to BankMyCell, 81% of millennials get apprehension anxiety “before summoning the courage to make a call.”
Is Gen Z the most materialistic? ›Gen Z is the most materialistic generation today, according to a report by Bank of America. Gen Z, ages 10 to 25 per Beresford Research, are much more driven by financial success than millennials and Gen X.
What does Gen Z buy most? ›According to a 2021 Consumer Culture Report by 5WPR, Gen Z is prioritizing electronics, technology, health, and wellness. Conversely, Millennials and those from older generations prioritize travel and experiences, home goods, and furniture.
What is Gen Z's problem? ›Gen Z's economic concerns stem from the fear of accruing debt, limited job opportunities and the difficulty of finding affordable housing. These concerns have been exacerbated by the financial insecurity many young people and their families have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is Gen Z switching to flip phones? ›Increasingly, Gen Z is embracing the flip phone, which reflects both the Y2K fashion resurgence and widespread interest in reevaluating relationships to technology. On TikTok, #bringbackflipphones has garnered more than 27 million views and #flipphone has had nearly 600 million.
Is Gen Z obsessed with technology? ›Two-thirds of Gen Z respondents (58%) claim to spend more time online than they would like to, highlighting the potential adverse effects on physical and mental health. More than one in two (54%) young people say the technology in their life distracts them from day-to-day tasks.
What attracts Gen Z? ›
They want to be prepared for unexpected change and have the tools necessary to adapt to new working conditions or job expectations. Provide clear career paths, mentorship programs, and training to help attract Gen Z to your company.
Why do people want folding phones? ›Galaxy folding phones open up a new way to do the things we love. A Galaxy folding phone such as the Galaxy Z Fold4 is a highly portable smartphone that opens up to reveal a sensational large screen display. A fantastic option if you are looking for an epic portable gaming device.
Are foldable phones selling well? ›Well, thanks to an editorial from Dr TM Roh, president and head of MX Business at Samsung, we now know that in 2021, Samsung sold almost 10 million folding phones. We also know that this is a 300 per cent increase on 2020, suggesting that Samsung sold about 3.3 million folding phones in 2020.
Will folding phones become more popular? ›Foldables can become mainstream if they follow the same trajectory. As demand increases, foldable phones will get increasingly affordable over time via economies of scale.
Do flip phones last longer? ›Long battery life: Unlike smartphones, which usually need a daily charge, flip phones can last days – and in some cases, weeks – without requiring additional charging.
Are smart phones good for mental health? ›Mobile device use has been found to have a negative effect on people's mental health. In children, excessive mobile phone usage can result in compulsive buying, low mood, tension, anxiety, and leisure or boredom [47].
What age should a kid get a flip phone? ›Many children are ready for a phone at an average age of 12 or 13.
Why Gen Z won't pick up the phone? ›As the article implies, Gen Zers dislike answering phone calls because it feels intrusive. We also talk about how odd it is for Gen Zers to prefer text messaging to let out their thoughts, spending several minutes typing, when calling someone will only take 30 seconds to breathe out everything they typed.
Do Gen Z prefer texting or calling? ›They are more comfortable texting than talking on the phone and do it more often. For most millennials and Gen Z'ers, texting has become their preferred mode of communication.
Why doesn't Gen Z answer the phone? ›Psychology professor at the University of Melbourne, Nick Haslam, says the shift away from phone calls is likely down to control, convenience, and multitasking – three things Gen Z value highly.
What is Gen Z attitude to money? ›
Data from Deloitte's 2022 global Gen Z and Millennial Survey shows that a third of Gen Z respondents worry about the cost of living above all other concerns; 45% live pay-cheque-to-pay-cheque, and just more than a quarter doubt they'll retire comfortably.
What is unique to Gen Z? ›Generation Z considers itself more accepting and open-minded than any generation before it. Almost half of Gen Zs are minorities, compared to 22% of Baby Boomers, and the majority of Gen Z supports social movements such as Black Lives Matter, transgender rights, and climate change.
What is Gen Z loyal to? ›Amazon, Walmart, Target, Dollar Tree and Nike were all ranked among the top 15 favorite brands by Gen Z, according to a survey conducted by research firm Morning Consult of about 2,031 Gen Z adults born between 1997 and 2004.
Why does Gen Z not want to have kids? ›Millennials and Gen Z are less enthusiastic about having children than their parents. The reasons are many: financial, social, and biological, along with the preference among younger generations for “freedom.”
Why flip phones are better? ›The phone can pay you back with a longer battery life.
While smartphone users around you are continually looking for electrical outlets in every public space, flip phone users can sit back and smile, secure in the knowledge that their phones can go days -- sometimes more than a week -- between charges.
Samsung claims the Galaxy Z Flip 4 can survive “200,000 folds before failing,” which translates to 100 sessions of folding each day for approximately five years. For context, that's the same durability Samsung promises for the Z Fold 4.
Is Z flip phone worth it? ›Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 review: Verdict
Despite the modest price increase, then, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is the best foldable you can buy right now. An ideal blend of price, form factor and performance, there's a lot to like with this updated model, and if you've got the money you really can't do much better.
Daily phone screen time, unsurprisingly, varies across generations, with millennials spending the most time on their phones (3.7 hours a day), Gen X following (3 hours), and boomers spending the least (2.5 hours). This means millennials spend around 56 days each year on their phones; boomers spend 39 days.
Why is Gen Z so addicted to social media? ›Gen Z is so obsessed with social media because it allows them to connect and build friendships with people all over the world. It's a powerful tool for building community and sharing information. And it's a great way to stay connected with friends and family.
What generation is most addicted to social media? ›Generation Z — 16-24 year olds — are the most addicted to social networks, especially women. They spend an average of 3 hours and 11 minutes online, compared to 2 hours and 40 minutes for men. Unsurprisingly, 55-64 year olds are the least keen on social platforms.
What makes Generation Z so different? ›
Gen Z are not 'coddled. ' They are highly collaborative, self-reliant and pragmatic, according to new Stanford-affiliated research. Generation Z, the first generation never to know the world without the internet, value diversity and finding their own unique identities, says Stanford scholar Roberta Katz.
What influences Gen Z the most? ›Gen Z Is Inspired Most By The Real People In Their Lives
We know consumers are more likely to follow creators who look, act and live lives they can relate to—like everyday people—vs. celebrities or even social celebrities.
Gen Zers embrace Gen Z yellow and bright, contrasting colors
According to a Bank of America survey, Gen Z purchasing power will overtake millennials' by 2030. This age group's signature color is Gen Z yellow — a bright, sunny shade of yellow that matches the 2021 Pantone Color of the Year, Illuminating.
Normally, this applies to fashion or design trends, but Gen Z is applying it to technology as well. Gen Zers in 2023 are bringing flip phones back. On TikTok, the hashtag #bringbackflipphones has over 24.6 million views. The charge for switching to the older phone is led by Sammy K (@skzzolno).
Why are flip phones better than smartphones? ›While smartphone users around you are continually looking for electrical outlets in every public space, flip phone users can sit back and smile, secure in the knowledge that their phones can go days -- sometimes more than a week -- between charges. Speaking of charges, the monthly cellular bill is generally lower.
When did most people stop using flip phones? ›Flip phones: they had relinquished their dominance in the market by the time the first true smartphones became commercially available around the mid-2000s. But for a long time – during the late 1990s and early 2000s – they were the most popular kind of phones.
Are flip phones becoming popular again? ›While sales data isn't yet available, Google tells USA TODAY searches for "flip phone" increased by more than 140% over the past five years.
Are flip phones coming back 2023? ›Mobile World Congress 2023 saw concept phones with roll-up screens, folding tablets and a whole lot more. Pocketable, more discreet, less demanding of your attention (albeit with a higher fidget factor), flip phones are back for a new generation.
Do people still use flip phones? ›Nothing has been making a bigger comeback than some good old-fashioned nostalgia, and technology is no exception. Sure, smartphones are great, but today's biggest tech manufacturers have also brought back the flip phone — and they're better than ever!
How have phones affected Gen Z? ›Having grown up using the internet and digital technologies, this age group also tends to be online a lot more than others. In fact, some research shows 55% of gen Z use their smartphones for five or more hours a day and 31% feel uncomfortable if they are without their phone even for 30 minutes or less.
Is the Z flip a girls phone? ›
After having experienced almost every flagship device that Samsung has put out for the better part of the decade, nothing has given me the confidence that it was developed with the ladies in mind than the Galaxy Z Flip. Yes, it's a great fit for men too, but it's exceptionally well suited to women.
Why dumb phones are better? ›Dumb phones, because they do less, have better battery life. They are also much cheaper. For many who don't require 24/7 internet service, dumb phones are a smart solution.
Which phone is better Z flip or Z fold? ›Add an S Pen to the whole experience, and you're looking at a significantly better phone than the Galaxy Z Flip 4. Not to mention, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 also has a bigger display, better cameras, and a bigger battery for more screen time. The choice is pretty obvious, really.
What percentage of people still use flip phones? ›Nearly one-fifth of Americans still use flip phones.
You might think of the feature phone, or "dumb" phone, as an outdated device that has been rendered obsolete by smartphones. However, a recent study from Pew Research Center found that among Americans who own a cell phone, 17% have feature phones.
The First Flip Phone (1996)
The flip phone became very popular after this came out because of the convenience of it's size and mobility.
But, fear not. The smartphone isn't going away, rather will re-invent itself as a plethora of emerging edge devices assumes many of its features, functions and use cases. Why the tipping point?
When flip phones were cool? ›Flip phones became popular in the late 1990s and lasted until the early 2010s. During this time, 87.93% of the survey respondents owned a flip phone.