Many Gen Z phone users no longer begin calls with “hello.” This behaviour challenges long-standing telephone norms and reflects how emerging generations are rethinking their approach to interpersonal communication. As Gen Z continues to question unsolicited interactions and seeks updated expectations for digital engagement, this change creates generational confusion but highlights how habits shift in reaction to tech realities like scam calls and mobile-first living.
Phones have not existed forever, and phone etiquette has changed along with them. While many older adults were taught to answer calls with a polite “hello,” Gen Z users, often born after the late 1990s, grew up with mobile phones and caller ID. This has made formal greetings feel less essential. Their behaviour often stems from two key concerns - avoiding spam and avoiding scams.
Spam calls often begin once someone says “hello,” making users more cautious. Some Gen Z users stay silent when answering to avoid robocalls, which are programmed to detect voices. Others worry about their voice being recorded for scams, especially if they reply with a common phrase like “hello.”
Caution is just one factor. Many young adults also believe the person making the call should lead the conversation. They see it as outdated to expect the person who answers to initiate the greeting. This way of thinking reflects a broader cultural change in how different generations communicate.
In the past, when shared landlines were common in homes, answering with a formal greeting was expected. In contrast, today’s mobile-first landscape emphasises personal use and informality. With texting and digital planning now the default, unexpected phone calls are often considered intrusive. People may coordinate calls through messages and already know who will start speaking, making a "hello" seem unnecessary.
Some may view this behaviour as cold or rude, but it shows a practical shift taking place among younger users. Gen Z is developing new phone etiquette shaped by their digital reality and greater awareness of communication risks. Even if older generations do not adopt these habits, it is clear that voice-based interactions are undergoing real transformation.
