Nearly half of all young people are too anxious to order a coffee in person, a phenomenon dubbed “baristaphobia,” according to a survey by Philips, the espresso machine maker. The research found that 47 per cent of Generation Z avoid stepping into coffee shops altogether, instead using delivery apps to get their caffeine fix.
The survey suggests that fear of choosing the wrong drink or experiencing an awkward encounter drives much of the avoidance. Seven per cent of respondents said they were too scared even to approach a barista. Social media users have shared similar feelings, with one describing in-person ordering at coffee chains as “triggering” and another recalling a barista who said “don’t be scared” as they approached the counter.
The anxiety appears to extend beyond coffee shops. Two in five Gen Z respondents, or 38 per cent, said making coffee for someone else fills them with dread, fearing the social consequences of a bad cup. The survey also found that 45 per cent of Gen Z have tried viral drinks seen on social media, while one in ten has used artificial intelligence to learn how to make coffee at home.
Lizzie Lee, Philips’ in-house coffee expert, said Gen Z wants “great coffee without the pressure,” whether by avoiding awkward café encounters or sticking to a tighter budget. Brewing at home, she argued, gives them full control over taste, cost and convenience. The company points to its super-automatic espresso machines as a way for Gen Z to make barista-quality coffee without leaving the house.
