Question

Younger generations are choosing to get rid of their smartphones and switch to flip phones

Answer 1

I thought this was extremely interesting, and I almost didn't believe it until I did a quick Google search and found that this is actually true. News sources such as the New York Post are calling Gen Z, Zoomers, but they are giving up their smartphones for flip phones to get a sense of digital privacy, and to fight addictions with smartphones and/or social media.

Source:

https://nypost.com/2024/04/04/lifestyle/meet-the-zoomers-ditching-their-iphones-for-flip-phones/

Comments

This is a good emphasis to the claim, however the source you used could use some more elaboration more than a quick search. It is true, however this could be expanded more in detail

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I was wondering if you have any statistics for this? While it may be true some of Gen Z is switching to flip phones, it may be possible that just as big of a ratio of individuals from other generations are also making the switch, nullifying this claim.

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Try to find better sources besides tabloids like The NY Post. I found articles by Yahoo Life and The Washington Times, among others.

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/the-return-of-dumb-things-why-young-people-are-ditching-their-smartphones-for-mp3-players-and-digital-cameras-103012025.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAK85g_tSR_Jehsrkl10iftX9EdOWMEmZzZFb9l64h0L5l78ZWJBn6c_BeDr8u18EfYHNzh3NkRYViScOXsWkErA5Echr4vr_iMQfztjySZjdNwPwFtrDJzOLCr5XDk5bfbYoeRt2wU_hhgJv_6eUxVcjUIluk7UKOCCk0sBDONrc

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/apr/18/generation-z-bringing-back-flip-phone-young-people-go-dopamine-diet/

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while this may be true that some of the Gen Z generation are giving up their smartphones for flip phones. The statement lacks lots of key information such as statistics about how many Gen z have done this.

Answer 2

Your claim is supported by various substantial reports and studies indicating that younger generations are indeed opting for simpler phones over smartphones. Desires for reduced screen time, nostalgia, and increased privacy drive this trend.

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

https://www.bworldonline.com/technology/2023/05/11/522039/gen-z-goes-retro-why-the-generation-is-ditching-smartphones-for-dumb-phones/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/gen-z-are-buying-dumbphones-to-limit-screen-time/

I appreciate the dumb phone trend and think it's refreshing, but I also think the fact-check could go deeper into how practical this is. For example, a lot of the sources quoted—like Fast Company and Business Insider—often publish trend pieces that lean into what’s "buzzworthy." That might skew the actual extent of this switch.

Also, I found this Reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/Futurology/comments/1f8thgg/why_gen_z_are_buying_dumbphones_to_limit_screen/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Where people bring up solid points about the difficulty of actually switching due to not being able to access banking apps or navigate public transportation without a smartphone. So while the trend is real for some, it might be more symbolic or limited to a smaller group who can afford to "opt-out" temporarily.

Comments

This is an interesting "fact check" to respond to because there's nothing to check or argue. While there is some statistical evidence to base a response on, it's not exactly a controversial topic. I do appreciate that you shared your personal opinion on the topic, but didn't think there was a strong answer to the initial statement.

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If evidence backs up the claim, shouldn't it be marked as "true"? You've marked it as "Can't be true or false".

Answer 3

This is true!!  This last summer, summer 2025, many people in Gen Z started a trend called flip phone summer. This was a genius attempt to lower screentime and be more present. In an NBC article published on July 17, 2025 the young woman they interviewed stated it was a way to, “Take back her attention span and reflect on the role technology plays in her life.” This article includes a statement from Dr. Christina Lee from Kaiser Permanente. She goes on to say any form of digital detox can reduce anxiety and improve your mood. 

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/flip-phone-summer-gen-z-ditch-smartphones-to-disconnect-from-social-media/3958907/ 

Switching to flip phones became so popular because I think teens and young adults have started really feeling how screen time affects someone. Using a phone and doom scrolling releases dopamine and makes a person want to continue this behavior. The light from your screen also reduces the amount of melatonin your body naturally creates and according to Potsdam University in New York, “desynchronizes your clock.” 

https://www.potsdam.edu/studentlife/wellness/counseling-center/what-does-screen-time-do-my-brain 

The University of California San Francisco also goes on to talk about the higher chance of developing depression and anxiety. Their article explains that the hours not just children but anyone spent scrolling, distracts you from doing physical activities like running, playing and socializing. All of which are vital in reducing symptoms of mental health disorders. 

https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2024/10/428581/preteens-more-screen-time-tied-depression-anxiety-later 

Answer 4

I found this to be true, mainly Gen-Z are putting their smartphones down and instead using flip phones for a multitude of different reasons, it can be to limit screen time, get rid of harmful distractions, take breaks from social and digital media, stop doomscrolling, and more. Many news sources are covering it, saying it's been a helpful and good adjustment for people because they're still able to communicate and talk with friends and family without the negative effects of things like social media getting in the way of their personal lives. Some of the sources I found that communicate this are: 

https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/flip-phone-summer-gen-z-ditch-smartphones-to-disconnect-from-social-media/3958907/ 

This source focuses on a girl named Lauren, who did this, and talks about how it worked for her, and she explains how she's used social media to try and spread the message that this method is effective and more people should try it. She calls it "Flip phone summer" and is hoping to make it a trend. This source continues on to share research that has proven this method is good for the body and creates a healthier relationship with people's phones.

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/apr/18/generation-z-bringing-back-flip-phone-young-people-go-dopamine-diet/

This source shares a lot of statistics about how more and more people have started using flip phones as the years have gone on. This article focuses more on the logistics of people switching their phones over, and also has experts in the field who focus on the way the brain works and mental health, explaining why this method might be beneficial. 

Answer 5

I found this claim to be really interesting and it compelled me to do some research and after reading through a couple of sources I found out this is true. From a USA Today article, I found that 48% of teens 13-17 think that social media has had a negative effect on the younger generation. This has led many teens to make the switch away from smart phones to flips phones. 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2025/06/06/gen-z-flip-phones-college-smartphone-detox/84031732007/