IT'S GOOD TO TALK, OR IS IT?

My mobile has a wonderful function, it tells me when it suspects a spam call. It’s got my back, it’s got me covered and I get huge satisfaction swiping away a conversation that would have resulted in me saying no thank you, followed by me getting increasingly snotty, although I find at this point the spammer hangs up and that’s just irritating. Nobody likes a quitter!  Thing is, I also feel a bit conflicted. Years ago, I used to do a bit of telemarketing and it wasn’t easy, but at least that was when almost everyone had a landline on their desk. Now, most people don’t even have a desk and if they do it is probably minimal in aesthetic and ‘hot’.

That’s not the only change. Apparently, there is a generational divide of communication styles with a growing phone anxiety. Millennials and Gen Z have developed a distinct aversion to phone calls. This preference for text-based communication can be attributed to:  

• Efficiency: Texting is often perceived as more efficient and direct form of communication.  
• Anxiety: Many younger individuals experience anxiety or discomfort when making or receiving phone calls.  
• Privacy: Text-based communication offers a greater sense of privacy and control over the conversation.  

As a Gen Xer myself, I would like to chip in that efficiency is all very well, but wait until you have to dig out your reading glasses - that’ll slow down your efficiency.

Then there’s Rawdogging* Have you heard about this? It’s when you take a digital detox during a long-haul flight.

The term "rawdogging" definitely has carnal origins, probably because if you connect anything with unprotected sex it sounds edgy, but it refers to the practice of spending a flight completely unplugged, without engaging in any form of in-flight entertainment. It’s supposed have many positive effects:  

• Reduced digital fatigue and anxiety: Constant exposure to screens and information overload can lead to mental and emotional exhaustion and anxiety.  
• Mindfulness and introspection: Disconnecting from distractions can create a space for self-reflection and mindfulness.
• Self control: It requires mental strength and self control.

Rawdoggers take a much-needed respite from the constant barrage of information and stimulation. They reclaim a sense of peace and tranquility and then as the wheels of their long-haul flight aircraft come to standstill and the seat belt signs switch off, they get on their smartphones and brag about how long they lasted on TikTok.  

I was chatting about this to Alex Redfarn, our strategic partnerships manager, it didn’t start with this, he’s got two gorgeous Alsatian dogs and I like to catch up on how they’re getting on, but our casual office chat took a detour which is the wonderful creative thing about an actual live conversation between two people.

Of course we both recognise that since the pandemic, we’re all chatting via video call, but for some reason it’s much more exhausting. So! And I’m being radical here, isn’t it time to bring back the phone chat?

It’s just a theory, but if we got back into the habit of having a phone call instead of an online video meeting wouldn’t we get some of the benefits to our wellbeing and reduce some of the anxiety and exhaustion that is clearly being felt?

Human conversation is a fundamental aspect of our social and emotional lives and provides numerous benefits, including:

• Emotional well-being: Talking to others can help alleviate stress and anxiety by providing a sense of support and understanding.‍
• Enhances critical thinking: Discussing ideas and perspectives with others can improve critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.‍
• Expands perspectives: Talking to people from different backgrounds can help us broaden our perspectives and challenge our assumptions.

A conversation on the phone takes away the distraction of the visual. Our brains have one less thing to focus on which frees up space to really hear what the other person is saying. With a phone call you can multi-task and keep some of yourself private. Doesn’t that alleviate some pressures?

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*For those of you unaware of Rawdogging means skipping out on the little luxuries that come with flying to simply do nothing, even to the point of possible discomfort - read more in this Forbes article.

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WE LOVE A CHAT AT TOUCAN

We’ve got plenty of expertise you can draw on and we’re very good listeners. Sometimes a good conversation can open up possibilities that simply weren’t in mind before you started.

So why not pick up the phone (07517 861 461) and say hello to Alex Redfarn, a Millennial who bucks the trend because he much prefers a phone chat, and when you do, ask him about his lovely dogs.

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