Gen Z goes retro: Why the younger generation is ditching smartphones for 'dumb phones'

[Celerity]

Sales of so-called “dumb phones,” like flip and slide phones, are on the rise among the younger generation.

https://theconversation.com/gen-z-goes-retro-why-the-younger-generation-is-ditching-smartphones-for-dumb-phones-204992



There is a growing movement among Gen Z to do away with smartphones and revert back to “less smart” phones like old-school flip and slide phones. Flip phones were popular in the mid-1990s and 2000s, but now seem to be making a comeback among younger people. While this may seem like a counter-intuitive trend in our technology-reliant society, a Reddit forum dedicated to “dumb phones” is steadily gaining in popularity. According to a CNBC new report, flip phones sales are on the rise in the U.S.

Gen Z’s interest in flip phones is the latest in a series of obsessions young people are having with the aesthetic of the 1990s and 2000s. Y2K fashion has been steadily making a comeback over the past few years and the use of vintage technology, like disposable cameras, is on the rise. There are a few reasons why, including nostalgia and yearning for an idealized version of the past, doing a “digital detox” and increasing privacy concerns.

The power of nostalgia

Nostalgia is a complex emotion that involves reconnecting with the happy emotions of an idealized past by recalling positive memories. Over the years, marketers have realized that nostalgia is a powerful way to evoke positive emotions — so much so that nostalgia marketing has become a recognized marketing strategy. It leverages positive memories and feelings associated with the past to create an emotional connection with consumers. A wealth of research shows that nostalgia can result in consumers being willing to pay more, enhance brand ties, increased purchase intention and increased digital brand engagement.

Nostalgia may be a driving factor behind people purchasing flip phones because they evoke memories of a previous era in mobile communication. But nostalgia marketing doesn’t just target the younger generation — it’s also a powerful tool for advertising to those who grew up using older mobile devices. Nokia is an example of a company that understands this well. A YouTube advertisement for Nokia’s 2720 V Flip shows how brands can use nostalgia marketing to appeal to customers and drive product sales.

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[Midnight Writer]

1. Just bought one the other day. $20 for the phone, less than $7 per month for service.

I very rarely use a phone, and only want it to carry in case of an emergency.

This is a good fit for my needs.

[Mister Ed]

3. And now, to your surprise, you're on the cutting edge of fashion! n/t

[pandr32]

2. With all the hacking I totally get it.

We are being hacked and bombarded with phishing. It is insane. We and our information are not safe. Younger people only need to call or text anyway to stay in touch with peers. I hope more people do this.

[NBachers]

4. They found out I got a flagship smart phone. When I buy into something, that signals the death knell

of its acceptance as a desirable phenomenon.

I think I’ll go out and get some tattoos, and signal the end of that craze. “If that guy does it, it can’t possibly be cool anymore.“

[3catwoman3]

5. I really liked my little flip phone.

It reminded me of a Star Trek communicator.

[Earth-shine]

7. I used to like show off that I could flip my Motorola Star Tak like my boyhood hero Cap't Kirk.

Once in a while, the phone would fly across the room.

Star Tak, Star Trek ??? My tongue is twisted.

[highplainsdem]

6. There's a lot to be said for phones that fit in small pockets.

Unless the hinge breaks.

[Maninacan]

8. Alway had a flip

Tracfone is my only since 2009. Even these get worse all the time. They no longer display remaining minutes, i have to look up how to check minutes . Message order changed to oldest first and there is too much info in slow talking before message. The newer 4G had a bunch of alerts i needed to turn off and only shows time on outside, not date. I wish i could get rid of contact categories as they are not needed and take up first 5 spaces.