South Korean Teens Are Ditching Phone Numbers for Instagram Handles
SEOUL — In a striking generational shift, South Korean teenagers are increasingly opting to exchange social media accounts rather than phone numbers when meeting someone new. A recent survey by Woori Bank, involving 3,729 teens aged 14 to 18, revealed that 70.3% of respondents prefer sharing social media handles as their primary method of staying in touch. In contrast, only 57.5% exchanged phone numbers, and a mere 15.8% shared KakaoTalk IDs.
instagram emerged as the undisputed favorite, with 97.5% of teens naming it their go-to platform for first-time connections. This put it far ahead of X (formerly Twitter), which was used by just 9% of respondents. While KakaoTalk remains a ubiquitous messaging app in South Korea, it has taken a backseat for initial interactions.
Why Teens Are Moving Away from Phone Numbers
this trend reflects deeper changes in how teens communicate. The survey dubbed today’s youth the “call-phobia” generation, highlighting their preference for text-based interactions over phone calls, which many find intrusive or stressful.
Instagram, with its seamless messaging system and visual features like stories and reels, offers a low-pressure way to communicate and share moments. Sharing a social media account also allows for greater control and privacy. A phone number feels more personal, while an Instagram profile gives teens the chance to vet potential connections and showcase a curated version of their lives.
Messaging Choices Depend on Context
While Instagram is the preferred platform for making new connections and staying in touch with close friends, teens tailor their dialog tools based on the relationship. KakaoTalk remains the default choice for communicating with parents, with 94.2% of teens using the app to stay in touch with their families.
On the other hand, teens prefer X when chatting with online friends who share similar interests, thanks to the platform’s anonymity and niche communities. As the survey noted, “Instagram is a platform for sharing everyday life, making it a natural fit for real-life friends, while X is better suited for expressing personal interests and building connections in niche communities.”
A Global Trend
South Korea’s preference for Instagram mirrors global trends. A 2023 Instagram study on Gen Z habits across the US, UK, Brazil, India, and South Korea found that 28% of Gen Z users worldwide shared Instagram handles as their primary contact method when meeting someone new.| Platform | Usage Among teens |
|———————|———————–|
| Instagram | 97.5% |
| Phone Numbers | 57.5% |
| KakaoTalk ids | 15.8% |
| X (formerly Twitter)| 9% |
This data underscores the evolving ways in which teens navigate relationships and communication in the digital age. As platforms like Instagram continue to dominate, the shift away from conventional methods like phone numbers is likely to persist.
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