Unhappy By Design – But Gen Z Are Ditching Smart Phones

Remember when the internet was actually fun?

Back in the 90s/00s, it felt like a tool for good, but around 2012 onwards it got gradually worse.

once smartphones, 4G, and those engagement-hungry algorithms combined the whole thing turned to s**t.

we’re basically carrying a Mean World Syndrome generator in our pockets.

it makes us think everything is way scarier than it is because outrage is what pays the bills "angry" reactions get weighted 5x more than a regular like.

its also killing our sense of self. We’re living in a digital panopticon where we're always being "watched" so everyone just self censors to avoid getting cancelled.

No wonder the younger generation looks so lost and unsure when they're alone and aren't looking at a screen.

the only good news is that people might be finally waking up.

Dumbphone sales jumped 25% in 2025 because people are finally waking up to the constant surveillance

Maybe there's hope for us yet, but we’ve got to start putting the phones down.

Do you think we will see this trend grow?

More detail: Burstcomms.com