Health · Mental Health · 3 hrs ago
Why many young people prefer texts to unexpected phone calls
Many young people prefer texts to unexpected phone calls, according to Sophie Riegel, who writes about relationships between generations.
She says people aged 14 to 29 may experience an unscheduled call as a demand for immediate attention.
A 2024 study cited by Riegel found that a quarter of 18-to-34-year-olds never answer calls and 70 per cent prefer texts.
More than half of young adults in that study associated unexpected calls with bad news.
Texts let people reply when they are ready, while calls require an immediate response and can interrupt work or concentration.
Riegel recommends sending a message before calling and not taking it personally if someone cannot answer.
She says texts suit quick questions, while calls can work better for catching up or emotional conversations, and suggests keeping surprise calls for urgent situations.
Many young people prefer texts to unexpected phone calls because surprise calls can cause anxiety and feel like demands for immediate attention.
Sophie Riegel, an author who specialises in intergenerational relationships, says people aged 14 to 29 may find phone conversations stressful and emotionally demanding.
Riegel recommends texting before calling so the other person can choose a time to talk.
A study cited by Riegel found that a quarter of people aged 18 to 34 never answer calls and 70 per cent prefer texts.
The study also found that more than half of young adults associate unexpected calls with bad news.
- Who
- Young people, including Gen Z, and author Sophie Riegel.
- What
- Many young people prefer texts to unexpected calls, which can cause anxiety. Riegel recommends texting before calling.
- When
- The article was published on 12 October 2026. The study cited by Riegel was conducted in 2024.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Unexpected calls require an immediate response and can interrupt work or feel stressful. Texts let people respond when they are ready.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A call to say hi or ask a simple question causes unnecessary anxiety, which is why we prefer a text
A phone call requires my attention right here, right now
A quick “Free to call tonight?” removes the alarm of an unexpected call and lets us pick a time when I can give you my full attention
A study cited by Riegel found that a quarter of 18-to-34-year-olds never answer calls and 70 per cent prefer texts.
The Daily Mail published its article on young people’s preference for texts over unexpected calls.
- Age range
- 14 to 29
- Study year
- 2024
- Never answer calls
- A quarter of 18-to-34-year-olds
- Prefer texts
- 70 per cent of 18-to-34-year-olds
- Associate unexpected calls with bad news
- More than half of young adults
Sources
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