Back? Generation Z is increasing the demand for cell phones that are not “smart”.

The “vintage” culture associated with various gadgets and other consumer products has always been alien to mobile telephony. For years, a growing business offering based on larger screens, more cameras, and next-generation communications has lagged behind. generation “stupid phones” or “not smart” into oblivion and to the bottom of warehouses. However, growing restrictions on the use of social media by minors have meant that “non-smart” alternatives have become attractive. Yes, Generation Z started buying more “regular” phones.

Statista’s reports highlight the fact that despite the format’s decline on a global scale, even profits in India and developing countries will exceed billions of dollars before the end of 2022. million dollars, despite the fact that a consecutive fall of 4.64% every year until 2028 is projected.

In the case of Latin America Mexico represents a strong bulwark in the consumption of “recommended phones”. According to Counterpoint Research, sales of these devices have returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2022 after a boom in the middle of last year. Brands such as Nokia, Blu and Alcatel, combined with other less popular companies, were able to lock in 45% growth in the “simple phone” category.

Curiously, various US media outlets note that “Generation Z”, made up of people born between 1995 and 2010, share various “unboxings”, reviews, and experiences on social media using the usual “flip pons”. Artists such as Camila Cabello have shared content related to this format on their profiles:

For Dove Cameron, actress of Disney’s Liv & Madele, her need to switch to a regular phone was overshadowed by the need to adjust her social media usage. “I feel like it’s something that doesn’t suit me anymore and it feels like I’m talking to two different people at the same time. Now I don’t like it anymore.” He mentioned that he found a “Matrix” phone, like those that became popular in the 90s, and that he uses a secondary line.

Smart at home, easy on the go

This new setting is not a replacement, but rather an addition to the user experience. Various posts on TikTok indicate that using a “special phone” allows for a closer connection with the environment, as it is less aggressive towards the present. Some users even report that they prefer to use their smartphone at home to listen to music before going out, and then leave it at home and go out with a regular flip phone.

“It takes all the bad things out of college and brings all the good things out of the phone, like talking to people and taking photos and videos.” said Sammy Palazzolo, a TikTok user who actively uses the #BringBackFlipPhones hashtag on various networks.

For active participants in this discussion, a big part of the problem lies in the bad news that constantly comes through these devices, affecting the way the present is lived, and creating more anxiety about the problem, which is precisely in this sense. They cannot drive at the moment.

Various studies related to anxiety and depression caused by social media have prompted the tech companies behind them to decide to include filters to reduce exposure to inappropriate content or encourage self-destructive behavior. In addition, a screen time limit has been implemented to reduce hourly usage.