A growing trend among young people is to use landlines as a way to reduce their smartphone usage and cure their screen addiction. This shift is driven by concerns over the impact of excessive screen time on mental health, attention span, and critical thinking. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 62% of Americans considered landlines a necessity of life 15 years ago, but with the advent of smartphones, landline usage declined significantly. By 2022, 72.6% of adults and 81.9% of children lived in households without a landline.

However, a new wave of young people is rediscovering the benefits of landlines. Catherine Goetze, an AI educator, has designed a landline phone called Physical Phone that connects to smartphones, allowing users to take calls without picking up their device. The concept has gained significant attention, with over 2 million views on Instagram and 38,000 followers on the brand’s account.

Others are finding creative ways to use landlines to limit their screen time. Erin Wakeland, an artist, has attached her smartphone to a chain on her wall, creating a literal landline that requires her to sit in one spot to use her phone. Kassadi, a 29-year-old creator, has gone viral for sharing her approach to landline mode, which involves only receiving call and text notifications on her iPhone.

The trend is not limited to individuals; companies are also launching landline phones designed for kids. Tin Can, a landline phone designed by Chet Kittleston, connects to an app, allowing parents to control who their kids can call and set do-not-disturb hours. According to Dr. Ysabel Gerrard, a senior lecturer in digital communication, nostalgia plays a significant role in the resurgence of landlines, with people seeking solutions to modern problems in the past.

While some experts argue that completely abandoning modern technology may not be the answer, finding ways to reduce screen time can have benefits. Dr. Briony Hannell, a lecturer in sociology, notes that transforming one’s relationship with smartphones is complex and influenced by various factors, including news consumption and social media. However, small steps to reduce screen time can make a difference, and the landline trend may be a step in the right direction. As people seek to reconnect with others and find a sense of community, the landline may play a surprising role in the digital age.