A recent study has found that Generation Z—those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s—are turning their backs on traditional email, favouring instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp and social media for daily communication.
Research shows that while older generations rely on email for work and personal correspondence, young Brits see it as outdated and inefficient. Many admit to checking their inboxes just once a week, if at all.
Why Gen Z Hates Email
Experts suggest that the decline in email usage among young people is due to its slow, formal nature. Unlike instant messaging, which offers real-time conversation, emails feel like a relic of the past.
"Email is too slow and impersonal for Gen Z," says digital behaviour analyst Sarah Carter. "They grew up with instant notifications and expect immediate responses."
The Rise of Alternative Platforms
Instead of email, young people are turning to:
- WhatsApp for private chats
- Instagram and Snapchat for social interactions
- Slack and Discord for group discussions
Even in professional settings, many Gen Z workers prefer quick messages over lengthy email threads.
What This Means for Businesses
Companies that rely on email marketing may need to rethink their strategies. With younger audiences ignoring inboxes, brands must adapt by engaging through social media and messaging apps.
Will email survive, or is it destined to become a tool for older generations only? The digital divide between millennials and Gen Z continues to grow.
