Many young people, especially Gen Z, are creating makeshift landlines or using old technology to disconnect from constant smartphone use, driven by a desire for simpler, more meaningful connections and to regain control over their digital lives.
A growing trend in Atlanta sees parents and young adults returning to landlines and minimalist phones to reduce social media use and improve mental health, driven by concerns over digital distractions and a desire for more genuine, slower-paced communication.
AT&T's recent network outage, which left tens of thousands without cellphone service, has raised questions about the necessity of landlines. The San Francisco Fire Department advised using landlines if unable to reach 911 on mobile devices, highlighting the potential drawbacks of relying solely on wireless phones. AT&T is seeking to phase out landline service in California, prompting concerns about ensuring uninterrupted access to telephone communication, especially during emergencies. The shift away from landlines to wireless phones has been driven by technological advancements, such as the introduction of smartphones, but the outage has sparked discussions about the potential consequences of relying solely on mobile devices for communication.
A recent cellphone outage in the United States highlighted the dwindling presence of landline telephones, with only about 1% of American adults living in households with only landlines. The shift from landlines to cellphones has been driven by the rise of smartphones, which fundamentally changed people's relationships with their devices. While the outage raised questions about the reliance on cellphones, it's unlikely to prompt a resurgence in landline usage due to the widespread satisfaction with mobile connectivity.