The Reason Gen Zers Leave Their Phones On Do Not Disturb

The “Do Not Disturb” feature on mobile phones is commonly used when you’re busy at work, about to go to sleep, trying to study, and…when you’re trying to avoid anxiety?

Recently, X (formerly known as Twitter) user Max Burns stirred up some discourse when he said, “TIL that some Gen Z kids keep their cell phones on Do Not Disturb 24/7, so they never have to face the anxiety of answering the phone.”

For further context, Max told BuzzFeed, “I was having a conversation with two of my Gen Z coworkers about [Do Not Disturb], and they had both mentioned the anxiety of getting unexpected calls.”

The tweet has 5.1 million views and has garnered over 600 replies, with people of all ages weighing in.

Of course, Gen Z’ers chimed in to validate the tweet, with one user saying, “I do not even know what my phone notifications or calls sound like.”

Another user put it plainly, saying, “yeah that’s me.”

However, many millennials came to the podium not only to defend their use of the Do Not Disturb function but also to point out that it’s not just a Gen Z thing to do. “i don’t think it’s a gen z thing I think it’s overall anxiety of being plugged in 24/7,” one user stated.

almost everyone i know (primarily millennials) has their phone on silent plus do not disturb on – i don’t think it’s a gen z thing i think it’s overall anxiety of being plugged in 24/7 https://t.co/NlC9dWGqwP

— amil (@amil) February 17, 2024

Another millennial replied to the original tweet and said, “Calling someone on their cellphone when you aren’t in a life or death situation is disrespectful af. Like, what makes you think you’re entitled to my attention right that moment […] ?”

Millenial here. Calling someone on their cellphone when you aren’t in a life or death situation is disrespectful af. Like, what makes you think you’re entitled to my attention right that moment, making me use up a hand to hold my phone, when you could text the exact same device?

— 🏳️🌈Jonathan…