SEOUL – A clear trend has emerged among South Korean teenagers: they prefer exchanging social media accounts, particularly Instagram, over traditional phone numbers when meeting someone new. Recent findings from a survey conducted by Woori Bank shed light on this phenomenon, revealing a dramatic shift in social interaction preferences.

The survey encompassed 3,729 teens aged 14 to 18 across South Korea, revealing that an astounding 70.3% selected social media handles as their preferred method for maintaining contact. Only 57.5% opted to exchange phone numbers, while a mere 15.8% shared their KakaoTalk IDs, the popular messaging app within the country.

Instagram dominated the choices, being favored by 97.5% of respondents for initial interactions. In stark contrast, only 9% mentioned X, formerly known as Twitter, as their go-to platform. While KakaoTalk remains a staple for daily conversations, especially among family members, it is less favored for making new acquaintances.

Why the Shift Away from Phone Numbers?

This generational change, aptly dubbed the “call-phobia” phenomenon, stems from teenagers' growing discomfort with phone calls, often seen as invasive or anxiety-inducing. Instead, these digital natives favor text-based communication, which is less formal and more manageable.

Instagram’s rich array of features—from stories to reels—enhances their connectivity while providing a more relaxed environment for sharing experiences. Moreover, the choice to share a social media account vs. a phone number offers a layer of privacy; an Instagram profile allows teens to curate their online image and select who they wish to connect with more thoughtfully.

Contextual Messaging Choices

Interestingly, teens adopt different platforms based on the nature of their relationships. KakaoTalk remains the primary choice for communicating with parents, utilized by 94.2% of participants. Meanwhile, X is preferred for engaging with online friends, particularly those who share common interests, as its anonymity fosters an environment conducive to niche discussions.

As highlighted in the survey, Instagram serves as a venue for sharing daily life—making it particularly effective for connecting with real-life friends—while X allows for the exploration and expression of more personal interests.

A Global Perspective

The inclination toward Instagram among South Korean youth mirrors trends seen in other parts of the world. A 2023 study on Gen Z’s social media habits across the US, UK, Brazil, India, and South Korea indicated that 28% of Gen Z users globally also rely on Instagram handles as their primary means of contact when meeting new people.

As technology continues to redefine how we communicate, the preferences of South Korean teens offer insights into the evolving landscape of social interactions in a hyper-connected world.

What does this mean for the future of communication? As platforms like Instagram evolve and expand their features, they will likely continue to shape the way younger generations forge connections, leaving traditional methods, such as phone numbers, further in the rearview mirror.