Footage Shows Gen Z Boys at Dinner Do Sweetest Thing With Their Phones

Gen Z is known for its creative content, digital expertise and, sometimes, an overreliance on screens. But one 22-year-old is challenging that.

A video posted by Paige Ludden (@abandongod) revealed a group of teenage boys who, while out to dinner, piled their phones into a corner, prioritizing in-person connection with each other. Since it was posted, the video has received 3.2 million likes and 12,000 comments.

"A whole group of teenagers out to dinner decided to put their phones to the side," Ludden captioned the video. "The future is in good hands. They were laughing all night!"

Ludden, a member of Gen Z herself—the generation comprising people currently aged 12-27—told Newsweek that the video reveals more than just a charming moment. It also challenges stereotypes about the younger generation's reliance on technology and underscores a universal human desire for authentic connection.

"We are human, we crave real community," she said. "I felt so much gratitude when I saw these teenage boys setting their phones to the side in an effort to pursue genuine connection. Especially because this generation gets labeled as 'chronically online,' I really wanted to highlight how that is not the case."

Ludden said that the internet has its limits when it comes to connection. It doesn't let us communicate in the subtle and important ways that embodied expression allows, like with body language or other non-verbal cues. Emotional messaging may get misconstrued, leaving people feeling isolated and alone, she said.

This isn't to mention the potential ill effects of screen time on people's physical, psychological and social health, such as lessened sleep quality and increased stress.

But Ludden has hope that her generation is not falling for the allure of solely digital connection.

"Gen Z is not addicted to our phones, we want something real," she said. "Consuming curated content does not fulfill our true needs. One of the teenagers reached out to me after the video went viral, and expressed how cool it was that it got so much attention."

The video has even inspired Ludden to reframe her relationship with her own phone and with others. Stacking their phones, like the teenagers in the video did, or creating incentive to stay off the phone are methods she uses to prioritize real-time connection. "My friends have said, 'Whoever touches their phone first has to pay for everyone else's meal!' Now we just put our phones away to enjoy each other's company," she said.

From her video, and the internet's awed response to it, Ludden's hope for her generation to challenge stereotypes and create societal change stands strong.

"Need these type of friends," wrote one TikTok user. "I don't think other generations realize that we really don't use our phones that much especially if we're with the people who we're usually talking to on the phones," said another.

"I feel like most teens have a problem getting their PARENTS off their phones at dinner," wrote a third.

"I believe that the world is on its way to healing, and that begins with opening our ability to connect in person and cultivate true community," said Ludden.