Phoning It In: Modern Communication Shifts Away from Verbal Calls in Favor of Messaging and Emojis
Smartphone usage for traditional calling declines significantly. - Smartphone usage decreases dramatically for calling and texting purposes.
TL;DR: Germans are using their smartphones less and less for traditional calls, opting instead for messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Threema. This shift is influenced by the convenience and functionalities these apps offer, as well as increased mobile data coverage. Meanwhile, the popularity of emojis continues to grow as an essential aspect of digital communication, allowing users to express themselves more visually and emotionally.
Germans are waving goodbye to the old-school phone calls, with the number of outgoing mobile calls dwindling significantly over the years. According to the Federal Network Agency, there were 163 billion minutes of outgoing mobile calls in 2021, but this number dropped to 145 billion by 2024. The decline in fixed-line calls is even more noticeable, with the number of minutes plummeting from 104 billion in 2020 to just 57 billion by 2024.
Instead, people are hopping onto messaging services to keep in touch. In 2022, there were a staggering 197 billion minutes of audio calls made via these platforms, up from 121 billion the previous year. Video calls are also on the rise, climbing from 143 billion in 2022 to 184 billion in 2024.
Chat messages, be they texts, photos, voice messages, videos, or emojis, have become the go-to for everyday communication. Last year, an eye-popping 902 billion instant messages were exchanged in Germany, marking an 11 billion increase over the previous year.
Can't be bothered to pick up the phone and call someone? Fear not! In this modern world of data-driven communication, it's easier than ever to stay connected without actually speaking. With 5G networks covering over 93% of Germany, users can rely on data-based communication methods and send those text and emoji-filled messages with ease.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the first ever emoji (🍆) was made by Shigetaka Kurita, a Japanese artist, back in 1999? Emojis have certainly come a long way since then, and today they're a staple of digital communication, providing users with a fun, visual way to express themselves.
Insight: The rise of messaging apps and the increased use of emojis can be attributed to the convenience, functionalities, and emotional expression they offer. With so many options to personalize conversations, it's no wonder that these tools have become the preferred method of communication for many, especially among younger generations.
In this evolving digital landscape, the 'Community policy' of messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and Threema is shaping the way Germans communicate. Vocational training in using these platforms might become essential, as people are shifting away from verbal calls towards preferred messaging and emoji-filled interactions. Consequently, likeminded users are trading traditional 'lifestyle' practices for a tech-savvy one, often relying on smartphones and 'technology' such as emojis to express themselves more visually and emotionally.
