SEOUL – For years, South Korean teenagers have preferred to exchange social media accounts rather than phone numbers when meeting someone new. Now, fresh data has confirmed just how widespread this shift has become.
A recent survey by Woori Bank, involving 3,729 South Korean teens aged 14 to 18, revealed that 70.3 per cent of respondents shared social media handles as their preferred way to stay in touch. In contrast, 57.5 per cent exchanged phone numbers and only 15.8 per cent shared KakaoTalk IDs.
Instagram was overwhelmingly the top platform, with 97.5 per cent of teens naming it their go-to for first-time connections. This put it far ahead of X, which was used by just 9 per cent of respondents. While KakaoTalk, a ubiquitous messaging app in South Korea, played a central role in daily communication, it was far less popular for initial interactions.
Why teens are moving away from phone numbers
This generational shift reflects deeper changes in how teens communicate. The survey described today’s youth as the “call-phobia” generation, pointing out their preference for text-based interactions over phone calls, which many see as 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 also depend on context
While Instagram is used for making new connections and staying in touch with close friends, teens rely on different platforms depending on the relationship. KakaoTalk was the default choice for communicating with parents, with 94.2 per cent of teens using the app to stay in touch with their families.
On the other hand, teens preferred X when chatting with online friends who share similar interests, thanks to the platform’s anonymity and niche communities.
These habits highlight how teens tailor their communication tools to fit their needs. 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.”
South Korea’s preference for Instagram mirrors trends in other countries. A 2023 Instagram study on Gen Z habits across the US, UK, Brazil, India and South Korea found that 28 per cent of Gen Z users worldwide shared Instagram handles as their primary contact method when meeting someone new. THE KOREA HERALD/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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