In a surprising twist, BlackBerry is making a comeback among Gen Z, who are increasingly ditching their smartphones in favor of the simplicity and nostalgic charm of older models, or so-called "dumbphones." Despite the Canadian company's withdrawal from supporting classic devices in 2022, these vintage phones are experiencing a revival, especially among teenagers and young adults.

Social media, particularly TikTok, has played a significant role in this resurgence. Viral hashtags like #BlackBerry and #flipphone have garnered millions of views as users showcase their retro finds, unbox, and personalize them with rhinestones and fun charms. The tactile joy of their physical keyboards is a major selling point for these nostalgic devices.

One TikTok influencer, @notchonnie, attracted over 4 million views by displaying her white BlackBerry Classic, stating, "Is it practical? No. Is it fun to me? Yes." Another user, @shozi_055, gained popularity with her unboxing video, candidly admitting, "My phone addiction is getting way too out of hand; I’m trying to take my life back." This shift in attitude signifies a growing trend toward digital detox as users seek to reclaim their lives from the grip of smartphone dependency.

Tech columnist Pascal Forget reflects on this trend, noting, "The smartphone is not a source of enjoyment anymore... People are addicted to it, longing for simpler times and devices." A 2024 survey by the U.K. think tank More In Common revealed that nearly two-thirds of British Gen Z respondents view social media as harmful, with half wishing they had spent less time on their phones growing up.

Interestingly, new data from the Pew Research Center indicates that nearly half of U.S. teens are online "almost constantly," a substantial increase from a decade ago. Responding to this digital overload, many are turning to BlackBerry as a symbol of a bygone era, which once dominated the smartphone market in its early days. BlackBerry captured over 50% of the U.S. market share at its peak in the 2000s, renowned for its secure messaging and physical keyboard.

For many Gen Z users, owning a BlackBerry fulfills a long-held childhood aspiration. One commenter exclaimed, "I’m gonna buy it just because it was a childhood dream to own it." Compared to modern smartphones that can exceed $1,000 and come with hefty monthly data plans, refurbished BlackBerry models are an economical choice, often priced in the low hundreds.

As the trend gains momentum, young adults report that stepping away from smartphones has helped them rebuild connections with friends and family, rediscover offline hobbies, and achieve a healthier work-life balance. Could this retro revival signal a new phase in personal tech? Only time will tell!