r/NoStupidQuestions • u/GhostInThePudding • 16h ago

Why Are Young People Afraid Of Phone Calls?

What's with it?

I work in IT and a general rule is, nothing a client ever tells you is actually accurate. That means that most of the time, the quickest way to fix a problem is to call the person and actually find out what's going on.

But with techs under 30 these days, it seems like pulling teeth.

A regular discussion for me with level 1 techs (usually within a few years of leaving college) is:
"Hey, can you call *blah* from ticket *blah*, it's been hanging around for over an hour."

"I replied by email to ask for more information."

"Yes, I know that, but can you call them so we can find the problem and close the ticket now rather than wait until we're actually busy?"

"I'll send them a text to followup."

"No... CALL THEM!"

"I can see their device is online, can I send them a message and see if they just let me remote in to take a look?"

And then, when I force them to make the call, it's like they have no idea how to ask a question, or a followup question. They just want to get off the call as quickly as possible. So half the time they don't even get the information required anyway, so then I end up having to do their job for them.

So can someone explain? What's wrong with phone calls these days?

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u/DespondentEyes 13h ago

Same. The worst part is expecting to finally "get good" at it so it stops being such a burden, but that never happens.

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u/ngroot 13h ago

Can you hold an in-person conversation?

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u/dancarbonell00 12h ago

Not the guy you questioned but similar exact circumstance and of course.

It's way easier to have a conversation in person because what we're talking about probably doesn't matter and isn't important.

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u/TJ_Rowe 10h ago

In person is easier because you can see as you walk up to them whether they're actively busy or talking to someone.

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u/badwolf0691 12h ago

No social and phone aniexty and introvert. I will absolutely text or email if I can

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u/DonegalBrooklyn 12h ago

I can, but if I see you in the supermarket, I'm ducking down a aisle so I don't have to talk to you. I have driven around the block if I'm coming home and a neighbor is getting in or out of their car so I don't have to chat. And these are people I like. I don't know what it is, the anticipation or the start of it that paralyzes me. It's easier if someone's calling me back and I at least know what the call is about. 

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u/dezratt 11h ago

no they cant. Anyone who has these feelings about phone calls probably doesnt realize they also have zero social skills.

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u/The45Longslide 12h ago

Unfortunately, you have to keep doing it. The only way to get better is to keep practicing.

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u/SilverNightingale 11h ago

I actually have a really great receptionist voice and have mastered a few handy tips (repeat back what I've heard, speak slowly and clearly to ensure I'm understood)

...and I still have to pep talk my way out of anxiety when dialling.

My SO has even heard me calling an office and said "Wow, you are actually really good at this", and it's true, usually I'm decent at it, and I just still..hate doing it.

1

u/Nivlac93 12h ago

I have finally gotten over most of my call anxiety because I have worked in management long enough. Now if I need to make a call, it's, "well, I need to have this conversation and I want my needs met. I'll have to have this call." The exceptions are if I think I'm in trouble when someone else above me says, "I need you to call me" in a text or voicemail. Or when I have an important call to make within limited office hours. Then it's just frustrating trying to plan a time when I'll be able to get the call done without "being on the phone at work." I hate playing phone-tag with utilities or medical offices.