Some studies reveal a paradigm shift among the youngest (Generation Z): they put aside the latest technologies to go back in time and have a more retro life.
Generation Z, made up of those born between the mid-1990s (1995) and the early 2010s, has witnessed a surprising phenomenon in recent years: the growing and surprising rise of retro.
Despite having grown up in the era of digital technology and social networks, and according to a recent study by Canalys, the youth of this generation have embraced elements of the past seeking a connection to an era they consider to be idealized.
They comment that Global shipments of basic phones, also known as “dumb phones,” grew 18% in 2022. The study attributes this growth to the growing demand for affordable and reliable devices that don’t have the same distractions as today’s smartphones. In the United States, they clarify that this trend is even greater.
A survey by Deloitte found that 40% of Gen Z respondents said they they would be willing to switch to a “dumb mobile” to reduce their screen time. This retro resurgence in Generation Z is attributed to Top 3 Reasons: Homesickness, Digital Detox, and Rising Worries for privacy.
Return to retro among the youngest: these are the reasons
Nostalgia plays a pivotal role in the retro renaissance among the youth of Generation Z. As they deal with the pressure and uncertainty of modern lifeMany find solace in the aesthetics and culture of decades past.
From vintage music to classic movies, retro video games and fashion inspired by the 80s and 90s, Gen Z want to delve into the nostalgic because, according to the study, it allows them to escape from today’s society.
Despite being the most digitally connected generation, Gen Z youth are also they are exhausted by the constant presence of technology in their lives.
Excess time spent on social networks, overexposure to information and the pressure to maintain a perfect image online have led many to seek an escape, which they have found, for example, in the use of older mobiles, as previously mentioned. .
Finally, Generation Z has grown up at a time when privacy and the protection of personal data are topics that are all too topical. These are becoming more aware of the importance of protecting their privacy, which is why many choose to incorporate analog devices or more traditional communication techniques.
To all this we must add that they are turning to “dumb phones” because they are more affordable. Smartphones can be expensive and not everyone can afford to buy one. The question that now remains is whether this will continue to evolve in this way and whether they will continue to incorporate elements of the past while living in an increasingly connected present and future.