In a world where phone calls are seen as an outmoded form of communication, one writer embarks on a week-long experiment to revive the lost art of speaking with friends. As they navigate the anxieties and frustrations of phone calls, they discover a deeper level of intimacy and connection that texting can’t replicate.
As I embarked on a week-long experiment to call my friends instead of texting them, I was met with a mixture of horror and amusement from those around me. At 27, I’m part of Generation Z, where phone calls are seen as an outmoded form of communication. But what happens when you try to revive this lost art?
The Reality of Phone Calls
Phone calls have revolutionized communication since their invention in 1876 by Alexander Graham Bell.
From landlines to mobile devices, phone calls have become an essential part of daily life.
According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) , there were over 8 billion mobile phone users worldwide as of 2020.
The average person makes around 3-4 phone calls per day, with most calls lasting between 2-5 minutes.
Advances in technology have enabled features like video calling, voicemail, and call waiting, further transforming the way people communicate.
According to a Uswitch survey, 61% of people aged 18-34 prefer texting over calling, and 23% never bother answering. This phenomenon is so widespread that some colleges are even offering coaching sessions for teenagers with ‘telephobia.’ Duncan Brumby, a professor of human-computer interaction at University College London, attributes this to our preference for asynchronous communication.
‘We’ve just fallen out of practice,’ he says. ‘Phone calls can be inconvenient, stressful, or unpleasant – especially if you’re part of my generation.’
The Anxiety of Phone Calls
Roque, an assistant professor of human development and family studies at Pennsylvania State University, notes that phone calls can be anxiety-provoking due to the fear of making mistakes. ‘If you make a mistake on the phone, it’s out there forever,’ he says. ‘With texting, you can censor yourself and revise your message.’
This self-editing ability is particularly relevant in today’s social media landscape, where we’re constantly bombarded with curated profiles and expectations to present ourselves perfectly.
A Week of Phone Calls
As I began my experiment, I was met with a mix of responses. Some friends answered immediately, while others didn’t pick up or responded days later. I left messages, only to wonder if they’d ever listen.
One friend told me that she hates answering the communal office phone so much that she’s managed to get away with doing it just twice in the half-year she’s been in the job. Another confessed that she takes her role as gatekeeper so seriously that she spent an entire day arguing with an internal head of department about whether she was permitted to patch through calls.
The Beauty of Phone Calls
Phone calls are an essential form of communication that allows for real-time conversations and emotional connections.
Despite the rise of digital messaging apps, phone calls continue to offer unique benefits such as tone of voice recognition, immediate feedback, and empathy.
Studies show that people who engage in regular phone calls experience improved mental health and relationships.
In fact, 75% of consumers prefer to contact businesses through phone calls for customer service inquiries.
The art of phone calls is not just about conveying information but also about building trust and rapport.
Despite the initial awkwardness, I found that phone calls allowed for a level of intimacy and connection that texting couldn’t replicate. With each call, I felt like we were continuing a conversation from where we left off – even if it had been months or years since we last spoke.
Prof Andrea Wigfield, the director of the Centre for Loneliness Studies at Sheffield Hallam University, notes that loneliness isn’t alleviated simply by having a lot of people around. ‘It’s about the quality and meaningfulness of those relationships,’ she says.
Conclusion
Phone calls were once a primary means of communication, but with the rise of digital technology, they have become a lost art.
According to a study, 70% of adults in the US use their smartphones for phone calls, yet only 12% make more than five calls per day.
Reviving phone calls requires effort and intentionality.
To start, set aside dedicated time for phone conversations, eliminating distractions like social media and email.
Use phone calls for meaningful interactions, such as catching up with 'friends or family' , or conducting business meetings.
By prioritizing phone calls, individuals can cultivate deeper connections and more effective communication.
As I reflect on my week as a caller, I realize that phone calls are not just a means of communication – they’re an opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level. While texting has its conveniences, it can’t replace the intimacy and human connection that comes with speaking on the phone.
So, should you try reviving the lost art of phone calls? Maybe. But what’s certain is that the people who truly matter will always pick up – provided you give them two days’ notice.
