Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — BlackBerry phones are making an unexpected comeback among Gen Z users, despite the dominance of modern smartphones like iPhones and Androids. Once a status symbol in the early 2000s, the retro device is now trending on platforms like TikTok
The hashtag #blackberry has been used over 127,000 times in social media TikTok. According to The New York Post (June 12), TikTok is filled with videos of young users showcasing their vintage BlackBerrys, either inherited from parents or purchased secondhand on e-commerce platforms.
Many are customizing the devices or sharing tips on how to find them through sites like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Back Market.
For some Gen Z users, the shift is more than a nostalgic throwback, it’s a rejection of modern smartphone culture. “I’m so done with Apple, I’d give up almost everything for a BlackBerry!” one user declared in a post as reported by The New York Post.
Read Also:
Accused of Social Media Monopoly, Meta Could Be Forced to Sell Instagram and WhatsApp
This resurgence also aligns with a broader “anti-smartphone” movement gaining traction among younger users who feel overwhelmed by constant connectivity.
“Smartphones are no longer a source of joy,” said Montreal-based tech columnist Pascal Forget in an interview with CBC News. “What used to be fun has become addictive. People want to return to simpler times with simpler devices.”
Though raised in the digital age, many Gen Z and even older members of Gen Alpha are starting to question their relationship with technology. A 2024 Pew Research Center study found that nearly half of today’s teens say they are “almost constantly” online, a significant jump from just 24% a decade ago.
Beyond the aesthetic and emotional appeal, the practicality of old-school phones is also a draw. Devices like the BlackBerry and early 2000s flip phones are cheaper than new smartphones and encourage users to spend more quality time with friends and family, explore offline hobbies, and seek a healthier work-life balance.
Still, the trend isn’t without its downsides. BlackBerry officially ended support for its operating system on January 4 2022, meaning many of its core services, including phone and data support, are no longer functional.
(Raidi/Agung)
