A recent article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution examines how some families in Atlanta are reintroducing landlines and “dumb” phones to carve out more intentional, low-distraction communication in a world saturated by social media. In the piece, a mother opts for a cordless VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) landline for her young children to restrict app access and reduce mental clutter; critics point out that even as AT&T plans to phase out traditional copper-based landlines by 2029, alternative technologies and devices are stepping in to offer simplified calling options. Meanwhile, the cultural shift toward digital minimalism is not limited to parents—young adults are also ditching smartphones in favor of devices that support calls and texts only.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Key Takeaways
– Many parents are reintroducing landlines or “dumb” phones to simplify their children’s access to communication, limiting exposure to social media and app distractions.
– The trend toward minimizing connectivity extends beyond families: Gen Z and younger adults are increasingly shifting toward basic phones or hybrid setups to manage digital overload.
– The telecommunications landscape is also in flux — legacy copper-based landlines are being phased out (AT&T plans to retire them by 2029), pushing users toward IP- or wireless-based alternatives.
In-Depth
It might seem odd to say it in 2025, but landlines and basic phones are having a small renaissance. As our society wrestles with overconnectivity, attention fragmentation, and the mental drain of constant notifications, some people are pushing back — and choosing simpler devices.
In Atlanta, as reported in the AJC, one mother opted not to give her children smartphones but instead subscribed to a VoIP landline service (via Ooma) with a cordless handset. For her, the goal was clear: let them make calls to family and relatives, but without constant exposure to social media, group chats, and app-related distractions. The kids didn’t even know how to hold the phone up to their ear at first — it felt novel. She sees it as a layer of control in an environment that increasingly erodes personal boundaries. Meanwhile, the broader telecommunications industry is preparing to phase out copper-based traditional landline service: AT&T aims to retire that infrastructure by 2029 and transition customers to IP or wireless alternatives. Thus, those adopting or retaining analog-like devices will rely on newer backends, not the old copper wires.
The shift toward digital minimalism isn’t isolated to households with children. Among young adults and Gen Z, there’s growing dissatisfaction with perpetual connectivity. Many are downgrading to “dumb” phones (feature phones with only calls/text) or adopting hybrid setups such as minimalist phones or phones stripped of all but basic functions. The driving forces are familiar: anxiety, screen fatigue, and the mental burden of relentless online noise. Surveys and market observations suggest that a notable percentage of Gen Z users are actively considering or switching to such devices. Meanwhile, on the infrastructure side, network providers are evolving to support these transitions — the old landline doesn’t disappear overnight, but the way we carry voice communications is shifting.
In practical terms, the resurgence of landlines and simple phones is a symptom of a deeper cultural pushback against tech overload. People want control over their attention, not to have their attention demanded. For parents, it offers a way to scaffold responsibility and communication without prematurely exposing kids to the full smartphone ecosystem. For young adults, it’s a tool to detox. And for the communications industry, it’s a subtle reminder that technology needs to bend to human needs — not the reverse.