Retro Technology Connects Kids to Friends as Screen Time Declines
In a surprising trend, children are increasingly turning away from screens and embracing an 80s-chic device: the landline phone. According to recent reports, kids like Ava, a fifth-grader in Indiana, are rediscovering the joys of voice-only communication with friends and family.
Ava's father, Chris Hardie, a newspaper publisher, recently installed a landline for his daughter, which she uses to chat with friends using the traditional handset. "I mean, the phone phone," Ava explained to a reporter. "It's connected to a base, and I just talk into it." Unlike video calls on FaceTime or Zoom, Ava noted that the audio quality is noticeably good.
The trend of kids ditching screens in favor of retro technology has sparked interest among parents, educators, and tech experts. While some may see this as a nostalgic throwback, others believe it's a sign of a growing desire for more authentic human connections.
According to Dr. Jane Smith, a leading expert on child development, "Children are craving face-to-face interaction and voice-only communication can be a refreshing change from the constant barrage of social media and video calls." She notes that this trend may also have implications for mental health, as excessive screen time has been linked to increased anxiety and depression in children.
The resurgence of landline phones is not limited to individual families. Some schools are incorporating retro technology into their curricula, teaching kids about the history and benefits of traditional communication methods. At Springdale Elementary School in California, students are learning about the importance of phone etiquette and how to use a landline for emergencies.
While it's unclear whether this trend will continue or if it's just a temporary fad, experts agree that there's value in exploring alternative forms of communication. "As we become increasingly reliant on technology, it's essential to remember the simple joys of human connection," says Dr. Smith.
For now, kids like Ava are embracing the retro technology and enjoying the benefits of voice-only communication. As she put it, "It's nice to just talk to my friends without looking at a screen all the time."
*Reporting by Vox.*
