Gen Z’s digital detox: Why are youngsters ditching iPhones for dumb phones

In a surprising twist for the world’s most connected generation, Gen Z is ditching their iPhones and Androids in favor of “dumb phones” – devices that can’t even run Instagram. And it’s not just a passing trend; it’s a quiet rebellion against the dopamine-driven design of modern tech.

The Return of the Dumb Phone

Across the US and Europe, searches for basic phones – flip phones, Nokias, and minimalist handsets – have been climbing steadily since 2020. What started as nostalgic purchases by millennials has now been fueled largely by Gen Z.

Flip phones are making a comeback

•    Nokia 3310 got a relaunch
•    Minimalist brands like Punkt and Light Phone are going viral
•    HMD Global, the company behind Nokia, reported flip phone sales doubling by April 2023

What’s Driving This Shift? One Word: Burnout

This isn’t just about retro aesthetics. Neuroscience explains part of it:
It takes just 3 minutes of work to get distracted – and 23 minutes to refocus. Gen Z, who grew up immersed in digital stimulation, is rejecting the endless pings, swipes, and notifications. They are opting for devices that provide friction, not features.

Old phones mean:

•    No dopamine loops
•    No push notifications
•    Just text, call, and done

Boredom: The New Luxury

•    Boredom is being rebranded.
•    Once something to avoid at all costs, it’s now something to crave.
•    By stepping away from hyper-connectivity, Gen Z is reclaiming moments of peace and presence.

What This Means for the Future of Tech

This isn’t a move backwards. It’s a demand for more intentional technology – devices and platforms that know when not to interrupt.

For brands, designers, and tech leaders, the lesson is clear:

•    Future is about “less tech”
•    About smarter, quieter tech that respects user attention

In a world where attention is currency, the most innovative products might be the ones that know when to stay silent.