Dread answering calls? It's called telephobia
Today, most Gen Z and Millennials often feel anxious or uneasy when their phone starts ringing. For generations who've grown up in a digital era, calls can feel awkward and unpredictable.
According to Anuja Luniya, a behaviour expert, 'There's been a noticeable rise in phone-related anxiety, especially among younger adults. Many share that phone calls feel intrusive or energy-draining, like a sudden demand on their emotional bandwidth.' This phenomenon is called
telephobia
.
Telephobia is not just about avoiding calls. It's the emotional uneasiness people feel when the phone rings. It can show up as panic, freeze, dread, or discomfort. In my practice, I've seen the condition rise significantly among Gen Z and Millennials. It's not that they don't want a connection. They're just emotionally overwhelmed
Esha Bhardwaj, emotional wellness coach, therapist
WHY GEN Zs DON'T LIKE ANSWERING CALLS
Aishwarya Iyer (28) from Thane agreed to share her experience, over text, of course. 'For me, long phone conversations are anxiety-inducing and largely unnecessary.
If something can be conveyed through texts, that's easier communication. I also feel that texting shows respect because you allow the other person to respond at their convenience.'
Similarly, Purbali Sarmah (27) from Pune shares, 'I just can't do long conversations. Phone calls feel like too much pressure. With texts, I can respond on my own terms and exit the conversation when I need to. But talking on the phone? It drains me.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card
UnionBank Credit Card
Apply Now
Undo
I only answer my parents' calls every day.'
Pooja (27), based in London, adds, 'After being on calls with clients all day, who wants to take another call? I don't ignore calls from close family unless I'm too drained. When it comes to friends, I have a tier system. I'll take calls from my inner circle. The second-tier friends? Maybe 50 per cent of the time. Tertiary? Just text me.'
According to Esha Bhardwaj, an emotional wellness coach and therapist, today's generation is functioning under the weight of emotional hyper-availability.
'There's an unspoken expectation to always be reachable. This has created a false sense of urgency. People aren't just afraid of phone calls. They fear the lack of space to pause, process, and respond with clarity. The pseudo-emergency culture bred by 24/7 connectivity has drained our capacity to relax, ease into conversations, or stay emotionally present.
'
DOES THIS REFLECT AN UNDERLYING ISSUE?
Avoiding phone calls may hint at deeper nervous system overload.
'In states of chronic stress or burnout, even small tasks like answering a call can feel like too much.' says Luniya.
She adds, 'Constant exposure to alerts, deadlines, and emotional demands can keep the brain in a hypervigilant state. Communication that requires spontaneity or emotional energy begins to feel draining. For many, dodging calls is not just a preference. It's a red flag. A sign to pause, reset, and evaluate what's really exhausting the system.'
However, she also notes that this phenomenon partly reflects a shift in how we connect. 'Thanks to digital advances, texts, DMs, and voice notes offer flexibility and control. These modes suit a generation that grew up online.'
Reji Modiyil, a technology entrepreneur, adds, 'The younger generation prefers texting because it offers comfort and control. They can communicate at their own pace. It also reduces the social anxiety of spontaneous speech.
Nonverbal modes are now the norm, especially for quick check-ins, even though phone calls and in-person chats still hold value for emotional expression or clarity.'
IMPACT ON INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
The rise in phone anxiety is also affecting our personal relationships. Modiyil points out, 'Telephobia results in a loss of spontaneity and emotional nuance. Texting can feel detached and miss the nuances of voice, tone, pauses, and emphasis that come with verbal communication.'
In relationships, dodging calls can come across as disinterest or emotional distance, even if that's not the intent. Luniya notes, 'If left unaddressed, phone anxiety can lower social confidence and deepen withdrawal. It also limits chances to practise presence, navigate discomfort, and build emotional intelligence. All of these are vital to social connection.'
RIGHT WAY TO DEAL WITH THIS
Being aware of your emotional needs and boundaries makes everything more manageable. Kanika Kishnani (28) from Ajmer says she's found a balance. 'I don't avoid all calls. I always answer calls from work and family. But I do avoid calls that can wait when I'm focused or deeply immersed in work. Messaging gives me the space to respond with intention without disrupting my flow. If something's urgent, people usually call twice.
That's my cue to answer the call.'
Today's generation is not emotionally disconnected. They are emotionally overconnected, stretched thin, and craving a connection that doesn't drain their energy. We don't need to shame people into returning calls. We need to help them build safer, softer ways to be present. Where boundaries are honoured, presence is respected, and peace isn't lost in the pursuit of performance
Esha Bhardwaj, emotional wellness coach and therapist
Bhardwaj recommends dealing with phone anxiety in emotionally mature ways:
Create boundaries: Let people know you respond best with some notice
Send voice notes: Practice listening and speaking without the stress of live response
Take grounding breaths: Place a hand on your chest, breathe deeply before picking up
Start small: Begin with calls from emotionally safe people and slowly build tolerance
Daily nature walks: A 15-minute walk can help regulate emotional energy
Use auto-responses: Try, 'Hey, saw your call. I'll get back once I settle down'
Prioritise presence: Reply when you can be engaged, not just reactive
Follow up with texts: A simple 'Hey, just catching my breath. Will call soon' helps
Avoid ghosting: Silence can hurt more than a delayed reply
Set a check-in window: Dedicate 10 minutes daily to follow up on missed calls
Express intent: Let people know you care, even if you can't always respond right away
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Defunct state women commission a concern in J'khand: Union min
M inistry of women and child development minister and Koderma MP Annapurna Devi talks to Kritika Tiwary on her agenda and ongoing efforts to uplift women and children nationwide. Excerpts: How many women and child development projects are currently active in Jharkhand? At present, there are over 37,815 anganwadi centres in the state. Of them, more than 16,700 centres have been approved under the Saksham Anganwadi initiative, which includes facilities like clean drinking water with RO systems, LED lights, Poshan Vatika (nutrition gardens), and water harvesting structures. These upgrades aim to provide a healthier environment to children and mothers. How effective is the women and child related schemes in the state? Twenty four districts have active 'One Stop Centres', and approval has been granted for 11 more in large or underserved districts. These centres support women in distress. Women can call the 181 Women Helpline. Upon receiving the call, the team tracks the location and immediately dispatches support. We also have counsellors and legal aid (DLSA) tied up with every centre. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Every district has a dedicated women empowerment hub. Are there specific projects for children in need of protection? Yes, there are over 50 Child Care Institutions (CCIs) in the state that cater to both CNCP (children in need of care and protection) and CCL (children in conflict with law). Separate facilities exist for boys and girls, and we also coordinate with Childline 1098. What financial schemes are provided under the PMMVY in state? Under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, the state has provided benefits to approximately 9.3 lakh women. For the first child, mothers receive Rs 5,000, and for the second child (if a girl), they receive Rs 6,000. In the last financial year alone, Rs 421 crore was disbursed directly to beneficiaries. Beneficiaries can now self-register digitally for schemes. Are any new infrastructure projects sanctioned recently? Seven new working women hostels have been sanctioned in Jharkhand. We've also approved Palna-cum-creche facilities at anganwadi centres. Has the Centre assessed Jharkhand's performance? Yes. Performance varies across schemes. States like Haryana (Palna), Tamil Nadu (hostels), and Gujarat (nutrition) are doing well in respective areas. In Jharkhand, despite progress, the absence of a state women's commission for the past 6 years is a concern.
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
On paper and ground, the smartness is poles apart
They are anything but smart, and are standing tall without performing any of their intended roles. The 49 'smart poles', that cost 5 lakh each and were installed across the city under the Chennai Smart City Mission five years ago are now defunct, and contribute zilch to public safety. Reason: The firm that took a five-year contract for maintenance did nothing to keep the poles working. Yet, no one has been taken to task and penalised for lapses. These poles are equipped with SOS emergency buttons, CCTV cameras, Wi-Fi, and public announcement systems, and were meant to act as support systems, especially for women and children in distress. But today, they lie unused, ignored, and in many places, broken. Installed in 2021 by Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) in busy public spaces, the poles lost their purpose initially due to lack of awareness among the public and later due to non-maintenance by authorities. A smart pole near the pedestrian complex on Thyagaraya Road is surrounded by vendors, and its SOS button does not work. CCTV cameras are missing, and there is no visible Wi-Fi signal. Another on Venkatanarayana Road is in a similar condition, with its emergency call button broken. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Other poles located in areas like Natesan Park, GN Chetty Road, Cathedral Road, and West Mambalam have also conked out, with damaged or missing parts. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai The civic body had announced free Wi-Fi access for 30 minutes a day. But when TOI tried connecting to the poles in T Nagar and near Semmozhi Poonga, the network was unavailable. The smart pole project had a five-year maintenance contract, but officials say it wasn't enforced. "We are fining the contractor for the lack of upkeep," said the GCC official. When contacted, GCC commissioner J Kumaragurubaran said, "The poles are outdated. People have adapted to the 5G network, which can never be compared to public Wi-Fi. GCC is not looking to invest more in renovating the smart pole system, but the CCTVs in disrepair might be replaced." Residents lament that the public was not properly informed about the services available through these smart poles. According to GCC data, 2,594 residents used the services in the first month of its installation. Several poles are located close to police stations. On Marina Beach, the smart pole near the lighthouse is just five minutes away from the D5 police station, while another near Ezhilagam is three minutes from the D6 Anna Square police station. In Thiruvanmiyur, the pole is right next to a police booth. The one outside Ripon Buildings is only a four-minute walk from Periamet police station. With police presence nearby, residents question the need for an SOS button that connects to the same places they can walk to. "For almost a year, I thought these smart poles were water dispensers. There's a bunk shop on Semmozhi Poonga bus stop on Cathedral Road. I've been using this road for many years, and I didn't know the GCC was providing free Wi-Fi through these poles," said P Saritha, a regular commuter. A Virgil, a gender lab expert, said, "The smart poles project has great features, on paper, but in reality, people are not aware of the usage. A community survey should be conducted by GCC to sensitise people before implementing such projects." The smart pole initiative was inaugurated during the AIADMK tenure, said deputy mayor M Mahesh Kumar. "Measures will be taken to ensure that the CCTVs, and Wi-Fi are functional on the smart poles," he added.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
3 yrs on, residents await retaining wall along Bindal river
1 2 Dehradun: Nearly three years after residents demanded a proper retaining wall along the Bindal river, the project remains pending, leaving several localities vulnerable to flooding during the monsoon season. Legal proceedings related to Bindal have been pending in the district court since 2022. Shiva Verma, an advocate from the area, said accumulated garbage and the lack of safety walls choke the drains, frequently inundating the low-lying areas of the river. "In past hearings, the irrigation department claimed it requires Rs 3 lakh for constructing the retaining wall, but lacks the necessary funds. Years have passed, yet there's no permanent solution to problems affecting thousands of residents on a regular basis," he said. On Friday, local residents and officials from both the irrigation department and Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) conducted a joint inspection at the Kanwali Road bridge. "The problems are recurring, and the intensity worsens every year. Earlier, garbage blockages were a major issue, but the corporation is doing a better job now. However, a concrete retaining wall is the urgent need. The existing structure is of poor quality and heavy rains often wash away the embankments. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Even electricity poles on the riverbed are eroding and are a threat to the public," said area councillor Vishal Kumar. He also said that during monsoon, water level in the river is so high that the bridges along Bindal are overrun with water. "There is a need for increasing their height and width. Localities like Kanwali Road and further downstream like Govindgarh face the brunt of flooding," said Kumar. Meanwhile Verma said that Friday's inspection revealed damages to several sections of the existing safety wall, as well as to a gate meant to block garbage from entering the river. "Waste is being pushed to the sides. It needs to be removed completely. The sides have to be cleared to identify more weak points for urgent repairs. Another monsoon is passing by. We need authorities to act soon," he said, adding that the evidence collected will be presented in court during the next hearing scheduled for July 22. Avnish Bhatnagar, assistant engineer of the irrigation department, told TOI that any damages revealed during the inspection will be addressed on priority. "We keep carrying out routine repairs on the existing retaining wall. Garbage gates were also installed some time ago," he said. Sources also said that the request for a budget to build a retaining wall has already been presented to the govt and is pending approval.
