Forget iPhones and Androids, Gen Z in Indonesia is reviving a relic from the past: the BlackBerry. Once the go-to phone for corporate big shots and texting addicts, this vintage smartphone has become a trending item among teens and young adults who are seeking simplicity, nostalgia, and, surprisingly, peace of mind.
Back to BlackBerry: A Mental Health Move
According to a 2024 study by the Pew Research Center, younger generations are officially fed up by the constant connectivity and pressure from social media. The study revealed that nearly 7 in 10 Gen Zs believe that older tech like MP3 players, digital cameras, and yes, BlackBerrys offer a sense of mental relief.
Without Instagram, TikTok, or an endless stream of push notifications, these phones act like a “digital detox tool” while still managing to look cool enough to make your friends ask, “Wait, you still have one of those?”
“It’s Just More Sane”
One 19-year-old in Jakarta, who showed off her 2011 BlackBerry on TikTok, said:
“My BlackBerry doesn’t have TikTok, so I can actually sleep at night now.”
Another commented:
“This is my anxiety-free phone. I still get messages, but I’m not doom-scrolling 24/7.”
These snappy takes have gone viral, capturing a broader shift among Indonesian Gen Zs who are tired of “always being online.”
Trend Meets Vintage Culture
The trend fits right into the broader aesthetic movement among young people: low-res selfies, blurry digital camera pics, and analog-style vlogs. Retro tech is no longer just quirky — it’s a lifestyle.
What’s more, used BlackBerrys are now in high demand on local e-commerce platforms like Tokopedia and Shopee, with certain models selling out completely. Some even come bundled with old-school BlackBerry Messenger themes for added nostalgia.
BlackBerry Comeback Is Not Just in Indonesia
This trend isn’t isolated. Gen Z across the globe has shown interest in gadgets from the early 2000s. But in Indonesia, where digital culture moves fast and trends hit hard, the comeback is particularly intense — and creative.
For Gen Z in Indonesia, going back to BlackBerry isn’t just a tech choice. It’s a small rebellion, a way to reclaim control, reduce stress, and revisit a time when phones didn’t rule your every waking moment.
Maybe it’s not such a crazy idea after all.
Sources: Merdeka, TeknologiBisnis, CNN. Featured Image.
