All articles tagged with #dumb phones
Gen Zers are rejecting smartphone culture and turning to "dumb phones" to reduce screen time and avoid popular social media sites like Instagram and TikTok. The rise of dumb phones is partly due to movements like the Luddite Club, a group of New York City teenagers who swore off smartphones in 2022. Here are six of the most popular dumb phone brands that Gen Z is purchasing.
Gen Z is increasingly turning to "dumb phones" or feature phones with limited access to apps and social media platforms to limit their screen time and improve their mental health. Sales of feature flip phones have gone up in the US, going against the worldwide downward trend in sales. The biggest market for dumb phones is across the Middle East, Africa, and India, but some believe that the market will rise for the US due to public health concerns.
Gen Z is increasingly turning to "dumb phones" or feature phones with limited access to apps and social media platforms to limit their screen time and improve their mental health. Sales of feature flip phones have gone up in the US, going against the worldwide downward trend in sales. The biggest market for dumb phones is across the Middle East, Africa, and India, but some believe that the market will rise for the US due to public health concerns.
Digitally native Generation Z consumers in the US are turning to "dumb phones" or "feature phones" due to rising awareness of the harmful effects of social media and digital devices on mental health, as well as the growing awareness of the environmental impact of smartphones. The cost of smartphones is also becoming prohibitive for many young people. Companies like Punkt and Light are offering devices designed for people who want to reduce their screen time and social media use. The trend is not a rejection of technology altogether, but rather a recognition that the constant stream of notifications, social media updates, and other digital distractions can be overwhelming and harmful.
While dumb phones are losing popularity globally, they are on the rise in the US, with companies like HMD Global selling millions of mobile devices similar to those used in the early 2000s. Feature flip phone sales were up in 2022 for HMD Global in the US, with tens of thousands sold each month. Some young people in the US are reverting back to dumb or minimalist phones due to concerns about mental health and screen time.
Gen Z is embracing flip phones or "dumb phones" as a way to limit screen time and improve mental health. While sales of these phones have not yet reflected the trend, social media hashtags suggest a growing interest. Some companies are even marketing "minimal" phones as an intentional alternative to smartphones. The trend seems to reflect a rejection of constant screen exposure rather than a desire for a sleek reinvention of the cellphone.
Dumb phones, also known as feature phones, are seeing a rise in popularity in the US, particularly among Gen Z who are looking to limit their screen time. HMD Global, the maker of Nokia phones, has seen an increase in feature flip phone sales in the US, while global sales have decreased. Companies like Punkt and Light are catering to the trend, selling devices geared toward those with a desire to spend less time on their phones and social media. The shift towards dumb or minimalist phones is expected to continue in the US, with some predicting a 5% increase in the next five years.
Looking for a simple and affordable phone? Check out these best dumb phones for 2023. The Nokia 2780 Flip offers a mix of features, including basic apps, USB-C charging, and a camera. The Easyfone Prime A6 is designed for seniors with large buttons and a simple UI. The BLU Z5 is a cheap option with a built-in flashlight. The Nokia 6300 4G comes with Google Maps and Google Assistant. The Kyocera DuraXV Extreme is a rugged phone with military-grade resistance. The ZTE Cymbal U is a basic flip phone with physical buttons and a 2MP camera.