This ‘lost art’ is the one thing millennials and Gen Zers agree on
Snail mail is on the move.
Despite misconceptions that younger generations only type away on their phones or don’t know what a post office is, a higher number of young people actually rely on the mailing system, according to a new survey conducted by Stamps.com.
“Our research shows that mail is still incredibly relevant today,” Nick Spitzman, Stamps.com general manager, said in the study. “This is because of the unique value it provides — the personal touch, the reliability, the importance. People rely on mail for those important moments and essential communications that deserve more than a digital message.”
The study found that nearly 65% of people still send letters and packages on a monthly basis. Even more surprisingly, younger generations are also active mailers, with almost 48% of Gen Z mailing one to two times a month.
Khalia Harrison, who owns the calligraphy business Signed by K, told The Post that putting something in writing is “memorable.”
The Bronx native, 36, gets pleasure from sending handwritten letters to friends, family and customers because she believes your handwriting can tell a story.
“Sending a thank you note is one of my favorite things to do because I feel like it’s something that is so personal when I’m packing up a package to mail it to a client or even if I’m applying for a job,” she said. It’s “personal to that person to kind of like leave a lasting effect of them remembering you.”
Harrison believes the effort people put into the handwritten letters that you have to mail off makes them feel special.
And others agree. Of the survey respondents, 37% claim the personal touch is their favorite aspect of mail, highlighting the emotional connection of receiving a handwritten letter or personalized package. Meanwhile, 41% of Gen X participants value the element of mailing the most, while 32% of Gen Zers consider the reliability.
Business owners like Harrison, who send out products and thank you cards, depend on the mailing system because it’s reliable. Researchers found that 36% of entrepreneurs mail items weekly, which continues to increase mail volume actively.
Although many people rely on technology to communicate with one another, some people do express concerns about their online privacy.
About 31% of respondents prefer the security and trustworthiness of physical mail for sending private documents and sensitive information, despite the shipping expense and duration it takes to arrive.
The majority of older generations, 40% of the Baby Boomers, confessed that adding tracking to their mail is necessary.
However, with online security concerns, Harrison encourages others to ditch the devices sometimes and send handwritten letters through snail mail.
“We’re so attached to our phones and technology that it’s somewhat of a lost art,” she added.
Like snail mail, the younger generations have started to appreciate retro items such as cassette tapes, record players, digital cameras and landline phones.
By the end of 2022, 73% of adults and 82% of children lived in households without a landline, according to the National Health Interview Survey.
As Gen Z’s affinity for making old things new again continues, who knows what item will reemerge into pop culture next.
