Snail mail is on the move.
Despite misconceptions that younger generations only write on their phones or don’t know what a post office is, more young people actually rely on the postal system, according to a new survey by Stamps .com.
“Our research shows that postage is still incredibly important today,” Nick Spitzman, general manager of Stamps.com, said in the study. “That’s because of the unique value it offers—the personal touch, the reliability, the relevance. 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 strikingly, the younger generations are also active mailers, with almost 48% of Gen Z sending mail one to two times a month.
Khalia Harrison, who owns calligraphy business Signed by K, told The Post that writing something is “memorable.”
The 36-year-old from the Bronx enjoys sending handwritten letters to friends, family and clients because she believes your handwriting can tell a story.
“Sending a thank you note is one of my favorite things to do because it feels like it’s something so personal when I’m packing a package to mail to a client or even if I’m applying for a job.” she said. It is “personal to that person to like to leave a lasting effect on his memory”.
Harrison believes that the effort people put into the handwritten letters you send them makes them feel special.
And others agree. Of the survey respondents, 37% claim that 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 post element the most, while 32% of Gen Zers consider credibility.
Business owners like Harrison, who send products and thank you cards, depend on the mailing system because it’s reliable. Researchers found that 36% of entrepreneurs send articles every week, which continues to increase the volume of mail actively.
Although many people rely on technology to communicate with each other, some people express concerns about their privacy online.
About 31% of respondents prefer the security and reliability of physical mail for sending private documents and sensitive information, regardless of shipping costs and the time it takes to arrive.
The majority of older generations, 40% of Baby Boomers, agreed 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 via snail mail.
“We’re so attached to our phones and technology that it’s kind of a lost art,” she added.
Like snail mail, younger generations have come to appreciate retro items like cassette tapes, tape recorders, digital cameras and landline phones.
By the end of 2022, 72.6% of adults and 81.9% 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 which item will resurface in pop culture next.
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Image Source : nypost.com