Why no one answers the phone anymore

If you call someone who just won’t answer, don’t worry – it’s probably not your fault. A chronic reluctance to make calls is developing among more and more users. Many people no longer want to use cell phones for their original purpose. What’s behind it?

Nobody’s answering the phone? That used to be unthinkable

At the end of the 19th century, the first exchanges for telephone calls were set up in Germany. At that time, of course, only very few had the exotic telephones. But if you had a connection, you didn’t wait long when the doorbell rang – after all, talking to someone far away was a small technological revelation. As we all know, times are changing and although telephoning is free and easier than ever in most tariffs with a flat rate, there is no trace of enthusiasm for long-distance calls. There are several reasons for that.

Don’t feel like making phone calls – this is particularly common among young people

Around 90 percent of young people in Germany have a smartphone, but they are often reluctant to use it, especially when strangers call. The reason: once you pick up, you can’t get out of the matter so quickly – you’re caught up in the conversation. And without knowing beforehand what to expect. Of course, it’s easier to just ignore the caller.

Even in their own social environment, young people today prefer to use silent channels to exchange ideas. Messengers like Whatsapp are the tools of choice. Such communication has the great advantage that participants can think about their answers carefully and are not forced to react immediately. Anyone who struggles for a few seconds to answer a conversation does not exactly make an eloquent or quick-witted impression. The fact that the other person’s facial expressions remain illegible also plays a role for many people who refuse to use the telephone. After all, analyzing facial features face-to-face is a very natural thing.

Fear of talking on the phone can indicate social phobia

While some people are reluctant to use the phone, others are mentally incapable of doing so. If the heartbeat shoots up when the phone rings, if you break out in a sweat and get nervous, then experts speak of social phobia. In extreme cases, a ringing phone can even lead to a panic attack. Behind this is often the fear of embarrassing oneself on the phone or not being able to find the right words. As long as this is not a pathological case, psychologists recommend practicing. This breaks down inhibitions and gives routine where there is uncertainty. But the dilemma also extends in the other direction: those who chronically refuse to make unwanted calls will find it increasingly difficult to take part in telephone calls over time.

Even companies don’t like answering the phone – but for different reasons

Anyone who has ever tried to reach the service staff of companies like DHL or Deutsche Bahn by phone can sing a song about it: sometimes nobody picks up, even after half an hour in the queue. Unlike in the private sector, however, this has more economic reasons. After all, the best way to save on employee payroll costs is to not hire those employees in the first place. Customers are of course at a disadvantage in such a service desert.

Are you also avoiding phone calls? These tips will help

If you prefer to put your cell phone on silent when it rings, you can use a few simple tricks to keep your shyness in check. By the way: If you know those affected, you should only relieve them of the annoying phone calls in an emergency, after all, they often just lack the practice.