Generation Z – and future generations – have easy access to almost everything online. Some were even born with iPads thrust into their hands or, like me, have had smartphones become a central point in their lives. Smartphones store years of memories, from conversations to pictures and videos, but they have also left us completely glued to our screens.
We can have multiple conversations through different apps, scroll endlessly through social media, tune out of the world around us with noise-cancelling audio apps and store over 50,000 photos simply on the cloud. Our phones have become our wallets, fitness trackers, health logs and more. Essentially, our lives are completely digital.
The idea of being glued to our screens is literal, as data from PC Mag UK revealed that over 80% of Gen Z users will check their phones within minutes of waking up, and to some, it’s the first thing they do before anything else. 85% of Gen Z users have also admitted that they can’t go over a day without using their phone.
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Despite the shocking statistics, it seems the smartphone obsession has become overwhelming for Gen Z, who are reportedly feeling “tech regret”. This refers to the feeling of remorse someone experiences after realising they’ve spent too much time using their smartphones – or any technological device.
Gen Z also doesn’t want future generations to go through the same thing, despite the undeniable advantages of technology. Matt Howler, a senior research executive at Opinium told Digit News: “The fact that half of Gen Z would back a legal ban on smart devices for children is remarkable – this is the first generation to grow up fully online, and now they’re questioning whether it was too much, too soon.”
As a Gen Z, I’ve realised that I, too, have developed the unhealthy habit of checking my phone first thing in the morning, mindlessly scrolling through social media and automatically looking at my screen whenever a notification pops up – even at the expense of real-life moments happening around me.
I’ve had moments where I’ve prioritised answering a text message over speaking to the person in front of me, times where I didn’t properly listen to someone because I was distracted by a social media post and have even missed a train stop because I was too busy checking my phone.
Admittedly, people – myself included – are rarely ever “in the moment” anymore and have become increasingly disconnected from real-life interactions. Many have acknowledged an unhealthy obsession with their smartphones, often citing excessive screen time and an overreliance on technology for social interactions.
Disconnecting, even for a few hours, can feel impossible. However, as we grow older, the many benefits of setting phones aside and being present in the real world are becoming clearer. A growing percentage of Gen Z is advocating for screen time limits, promoting “digital detoxes” and “dumbphones” with limited features, with more than four in five British 16 to 24 year olds would keep their kids off social media. The movement encourages younger generations to prioritise face-to-face interactions and reclaim a sense of balance in a world dominated by screens.
Ultimately, as technology evolves, it’s up to us to find a balance and determine how much time we want to spend on our phones each day and set a goal to reduce it gradually. Methods such as ‘digital detox’ or owning a ‘dumbphone’ could be some of the solutions – ones that I will be trying out, as well – as people minimise their screen time.
I believe that in the future, we shouldn’t allow it to become our top priority, and to appreciate more what’s around us. Although the best memories are kept on photographs, being in the moment is what will make it even more memorable. Better be safe than sorry with the ‘tech regret’, right?
