Consumer Electronics Technology
Gen Z Is Going Retro With Dumbphones—Here’s Why!
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Overview
The sitcom debuted in 1998, ran for 8 seasons, and aired its final episode on May 18, 2006. However, its plot followed the lives of six teenagers navigating high school and life in the late 1970s, with supporting characters including parents, friends, and siblings.
For the most part, the show allowed viewers to reminisce about simpler times—you’ve heard of the phrase “the good old days,” right? That’s what this show brought people who grew up in the 70s —the fond memories of living in the physical world.
For those born after the 1970s, the show represented a life before technology took over, making the phrase “live in the moment” a bygone dream.
Either way, the show helped people remember the importance of living in the moment and not getting engulfed by—or rather addicted to—devices, screens, smartphones, and other technologies.
That’s what people born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s—better known as Generation Z or Gen Z—are trying to do. Gen Z is increasingly ditching smartphones for dumbphones. However, the revolution consists of more than just nostalgia or living in the moment.
It goes deeper—and we’re also going to go deeper—to explore why Gen Z’s going retro with dumbphones. Dive in!
Did you know that 69% of smartphone users check their devices within the first five minutes of waking up in the morning?
The same report found that 87% check their devices within an hour of going to sleep or waking up.
Sure, it’s important to remain in contact with the outside world, especially since the ability to do so is in the palm of your hand. However, it’s not a good sign when such devices become an addiction, and one of the most poisonous addictions nowadays is the extended use of smartphones.
You don’t think it’s an addiction?
The report further mentioned that as of 2025, 98% of American adults own a cellphone of some kind and most of them reply to texts within minutes. Also, 50% of people feel uneasy when they leave their phones at home, and uneasiness is just the tip of the iceberg. Smartphone addiction has been linked to causing a wide range of mental and physical health problems.
It’s not just an addiction for some people; it’s become an epidemic—and now Gen Z is wising up. Quite honestly, they want to reclaim their lives from the deep dark pits of smartphones. It may not be a big number yet, but it’s a start.
It’s not about running away from the world and ditching all contact; it’s about limiting your usage of such devices and not becoming a slave to a smartphone.
This is why Gen Z folk are turning to dumbphones.
What Is A Dumbphone?
Dumbphone, feature phone, less-smart phone, retro phone, old-school phone, boring phone—these devices go by a variety of names. In the end, they all refer to older phones that offer basic communication functions, i.e., calling, texting, and a few other functions.
We’re talking about phones that were made around the 2000s, such as the millennial-era BlackBerry, old-time Nokia phones, old-school flip or slide phones, and so on. You know, before phones started sporting massive touchscreens, people had to type using a physical keypad.
Some of these phones even lack internet connectivity, rendering social media platforms, email, web browsing, and other such applications unassailable.
Essentially, they’re old phones from the pre-smartphone era, although some new phones are being designed keeping the functionalities of such older phones in mind. Well, Gen Z has gone gaga over these phones.
Why though?
Why Is Gen Z Going Retro With Dumbphones?
Numerous studies have found that smartphone addiction can lead to increased mental stress, depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and other mental woes that can have an adverse effect on physical health, too.
This is something that’s hit people of all ages, but especially Gen Z. In fact, half of Gen Zs wished they spent less time on their phones growing up.
In addition to entertainment, education, and communication, the dependency on smartphones for news has left users addicted to searching for negative news or finding negative aspects in good news—an act known as doomscrolling.
“I’ve always hated being available to everyone,” said Rana Ali, a former finance worker and current musician by the stage name of Surya Sen. “The idea that if you send a WhatsApp to someone and they don’t respond immediately then something’s wrong. I’ve had periods of having a smartphone but I always revert back to having a burner phone.”
It’s clear that Gen Z wants to avoid the pitfalls of smartphones and improve their mental and physical well-being.
So, what are the primary reasons that are making Gen Z ditch smartphones for dumbphones?
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Detox
Detoxing from social media and digital technologies, as well as reducing screen time, are major driving factors in this movement. Dumbphones allow users to avoid time consuming mobile apps that leave them yearning for more and more and more.
Studies found that smartphone owners unlock their phones 150 times a day, with 75% admitting to using their phones while driving at least once. 75% use their smartphones in the restroom, while 12% use them while showering.
Blue-light emissions reduce melatonin production, resulting in sleep deprivation, anxiety, increased stress, physiological issues, neck pain, increased blood pressure, and several other health problems. -
Focus
Addiction to smartphones has become a serious issue, and Gen Z is looking to cut down on the digital noise of applications and attention deficiencies caused by its multitasking nature.
Even when completing tasks that don’t require the use of smartphones, people have a habit of checking their devices for notifications. Alternatively, they unlock their phone and scroll through social media apps that keep them engaged with different types of content. The jump to dumbphones allows people to improve their ability to focus and not get carried away by distractions.
“For the first four hours, you’re getting a bit of anxiety, but then suddenly you start focusing and you get back to behaviours you used to have,” said Lars Silberbauer, the Chief Marketing Officer at HMD, who is also looking to detox from smartphones. -
Privacy
Smartphones come with a host of features and functions that can access personal space, including cameras, GPS, and microphones. Additionally, they come loaded with several apps that are always eager to gain access to information such as contacts, messages, and data storage, while also trying to use location, camera, and microphone services.
Most of this information is used to deliver personalized advertising, causing people to get concerned about how this data is collected, stored, and used.
Dumbphones help people escape this.
Moreover, dumbphones are reducing the indulgence of doomscrolling, amid concerns about the authenticity of information available online, where 41% say they don’t trust it and 39% feel it’s only somewhat trustworthy. -
Nostalgia
We began this article by quoting the nostalgic factor that made That 70s Show a success. Similarly, many people are reverting to dumbphones for the nostalgic factor.
Many users also feel that phones nowadays have become boring in the way they look. They all sport a big display with cameras on the front and back and not much difference. Even in operating systems, the choice is primarily between Android and iOS.
Back in the prime of dumbphones, manufacturers had designed and developed extremely creative devices, from the sleek feel of sliding phones to the satisfaction of cutting calls by shutting a foldable phone, dumbphones exhibited true human creativity. -
Trend
The nostalgia even kicked off various trends. The Nokia 3310 “brick” phone that is known for its sturdy build and long battery life—and has been memed for these qualities—was relaunched in 2017 and has found strong demand over the past few years.
Similarly, BlackBerry devices are making a comeback, with TikTok-ing Gen Zs scouring eBay and their parents’ storage units to revive their use and bedazzle them for ASMR videos.
Some Gen Zers are even recruiting social media platforms—which aren’t supported on dumbphones—to spread the good word. Hashtags such as #BlackBerry, #flipphone, #bringbackflipphones, #retrophone, #vintagephone, and others are gaining popularity and amassing millions of views on social media platforms.
Suffice it to say, the switch from smartphones to dumbphones is more than just about aesthetics or vibes, it’s a movement to boost the mental and physical well-being of Gen Zers. Albeit more generations should get in on the action and break free from smartphone addiction!
Conclusion
Smartphones have been linked to numerous mental and physical health problems, such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, reduced physical activity, and even suicide. This has led Gen Zers to wake up from the slump and dump their smartphones, opting for dumbphones if necessary. They’re also turning to social media to advocate the importance of the movement and get others to join in.
Interestingly, the retro trend extends to more than just phones, as Generation Z has been turning to older technologies such as Walkmans, iPods, and digital cameras, too. In the end, it’s all part of a movement to boost their mental and physical wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Dumbphone And How Is It Different From A Smartphone?
A dumbphone, also known as a feature phone, is a basic mobile device that typically allows for calling, texting, and a few other limited functions. Unlike smartphones, dumbphones do not support advanced applications, high-speed internet, or social media platforms. Many lack touchscreen displays, app stores, or even internet connectivity. This makes them appealing to users—like members of Gen Z—who want to minimize distractions, reclaim their focus, and avoid digital overload.
Why Is Gen Z Switching From Smartphones To Dumbphones?
Gen Z is embracing dumbphones to combat smartphone addiction, reduce screen time, improve focus, and protect their mental health. Many young users report feeling overwhelmed by constant notifications, social media pressure, and the negative mental health effects associated with smartphone overuse. Dumbphones offer a way to digitally detox, regain privacy, and even indulge in nostalgia, all while staying connected in the most essential ways.
Are Dumbphones Becoming A Trend Again In 2025?
Yes, dumbphones are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, particularly among Gen Z users. This retro tech trend is driven by a mix of digital detox efforts, aesthetic nostalgia, and a push toward mental well-being. Devices like the relaunched Nokia 3310 and vintage BlackBerry models have gained traction online, with hashtags and social media content fueling the movement to revive simple, distraction-free technology.
Thu, Jul 3, 2025
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