Gen Z is more likely to memorize phone numbers than millennials (and other digit-related Mintsights)

In an era of contact lists on your phone, ranging from Mom to Dave from Hinge, does anyone still need to memorize phone numbers? Is there any reason to? Even though it’s never been easier to not have to commit those ten digits to memory, we had a hunch that phone numbers still mean a lot to many people…maybe even more than they realize. 

That’s why we surveyed almost 700 people between the ages of 18 and 49 to ask about their phone number memorization habits. Do they still memorize numbers? Can they recall any from their past—and if so, which ones? And do partners still memorize each other’s numbers (and do they still get mad if their S.O. doesn’t know theirs?)? Let’s get our Family Feud on because survey says…

61% of people told us they still memorize phone numbers 

Despite what you might think, we found that most people are still committing phone numbers to memory. In fact, 73% of people have between 2 to 5 numbers currently memorized that they use on a regular basis. Interestingly, the age group most likely to currently memorize numbers are the 18 to 24 range, despite the fact that many Gen Zers likely grew up with cell phones having contact info built in as a feature.

24% of people say they still remember their childhood friend’s number…even if they maybe haven’t called it in years 

Phone numbers can be stickier than we might realize. Why do you think so many people were calling Jenny at 867-5309? It’s especially true when they have a powerful emotional connection. Unsurprisingly, the top 5 numbers from the past people are most likely to remember years or even decades later are ones related to personal relationships. The non-personal relationship number with the highest percent of “yes” votes was their old work number—gotta know where to call in sick. Some even recalled their old pizza delivery number, which is still a personal (pan) relationship.

Roughly 1 in 5 people don’t think knowing their spouse or partner’s number by heart is important

If there’s one person whose number you’re most likely to have memorized currently, it’s your partner or spouse—and we found that 50% of those surveyed did in fact know their S.O.’s by heart. Insert awww here.However, considering that half of those surveyed think it’s very important for their partners to have their phone number memorized, the fact that almost 20% of people don’t suggests there could be a disconnect between some couples’ expectations in this department.

For a good time, call Mint (whether you’ve memorized our number or not)

Want to learn more about the different ways people use their phones and phone plans? Check out our earlier survey, where 50% of people said they’ll become parents before leaving their parents’ phone plan. Or, for further reading, tap the button below to learn more about us and our phone plans.