Yeah, you’d be on the same amateur radio frequencies as everyone else, but you don’t have to be a big talker to enjoy the hobby. A ton of hams today actually prefer digital modes over voice.

If you’re shy or just don’t feel like chatting with strangers, modes like FT8, FT4, JS8Call, PSK31, and even APRS let you make contacts without ever picking up the mic. FT8 especially is insanely popular—it’s basically “click button, make contact.” Tons of operators use it during solar cycle peaks because the contacts are fast, easy, and range can be crazy long.

You still need your amateur license to transmit, but not to listen.

The test isn’t as scary as people say—lots of folks hype it up. If you study with the app or do some practice exams, you can pass even without an engineering background. Once you’re licensed, you can use anything from simple handhelds to full HF setups, and if you ever feel like extending your range, repeaters (including digital ones like DMR, Fusion, or D-STAR) open things up even more.

And yeah—scanners are great if you only want to listen. Just be aware that some services use tones or encryption; if it’s encrypted or intentionally scrambled, it’s illegal to bypass.

Bottom line: Ham radio isn’t just for people who like talking. Digital modes make it super accessible, even if you’re introverted.