A third of Brits panic when their phone rings unexpectedly and many don't even answer, research shows, with Gen Z begging 'just text me'.
One study found that 31 percent of adults panic when their phone rings, especially if it's from an unknown number.
In an age when cold callers and scammers are more likely than not to call you out of the blue, nearly 37 percent of respondents said they are less likely to answer when called without notice than they were five years ago.
For many, telephone conversations are a thing of the past. Shockingly, 12 percent of respondents said it's been a week (or even longer) since they last spoke to someone on the phone.
And Gen Z has flocked in droves TikTok to beg people to text me and tell their viewers that they're just sitting there watching my phone ring when “absolutely someone” calls.
Gen Z has flocked to TikTok to beg people to text me and tell their viewers they're just watching my phone ring when 'absolutely someone' calls
This is because many (26 percent) prefer to communicate via social media.
The survey, commissioned by Buffalo Trace Distillery, found that 72 percent of women are more likely to answer an unexpected phone call, compared to 57 percent of men.
While 40 percent of people prefer advance notice of a call, half won't answer if they weren't expecting it.
But strangely, the study found that if you haven't warned them in advance, someone is much more likely to answer the phone in the afternoon.
The survey of 2,000 people found that 23 percent of those who did respond to an unexpected call thought it was okay.
Some Gen Zers said on TikTok that they “literally scream” when their phone rings because they hate it so much.
But someone else clarified: 'Calls from your loved ones are always top notch, but calling people for pointless conversations is a problem.'
Many people agreed in the comment sections of the videos, saying that calls are “unnecessary.”
Many people agreed in the comment sections of the videos, saying that phone calls are “unnecessary” and that they “really get annoyed.”
And others said that even though they're “old school” and “hate typing,” they prefer voice notes.
One person said unexpected phone calls are an “invasion of my personal space,” and another added: “If you're not my mother, why are you calling me?”
“I'll send carrier pigeons before I call,” some joked.
But many said they panic when they get a call because it triggers their social anxiety and they freeze until the notification disappears.
Andrew Duncan, the brand's Global Brand Director, says The sun: 'As communication moves more and more online, it's normal to feel less comfortable answering the phone when it rings, but there's really no substitute for tangible moments of connection with others.'