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But now a study has revealed Generation Z and Millennial couples are so anti-confrontational and awkward in social settings, especially post-Covid, they use what experts dub ‘the ghosting slow fade’ instead. ‘Ghosting’ is a relatively new slang term meaning the act of ending all communication and contact with another person without warning, and by simply ignoring any attempts by them to get a response from you.
A new study by married dating site Ashley Madison found the ‘ghosting slow fade’ is now used by a third of ‘Gen Z’ and Millennials to coldly kill off a relationship – justifying it as slowly letting their ex down ‘gently’.
Meeting a partner or lover face-to-face to break the bad news happens in only 24 percent of relationships while an impersonal text message is used by 23 percent of people.
11 percent said they would call someone to explain things just weren’t working and end it honestly.
Lastly, Ashley Madison found 9 percent were fans of ‘benching’ – easing off on regular messages, but still checking in from time to time in case one wants to “rekindle” their passion later.
Psychotherapist and relationship expert Lucy Beresford said: “What is fascinating is that online dating gives people lots of control, over matters such as timing, unsolicited material, or priorities.
“However, control has its limits! In their heart, a person would prefer to be told face-to-face about the ending of a relationship.
“Yet what is actually happening increasingly is the ‘slow fade’, where people take longer and longer to reply to messages, or space out dates.
“So, rather than a clear-cut ending, the relationship gradually fizzles out – which can be agonising.”
The study of 2,708 adults found more than half (62 percent) of the participants said they are most likely to find a relationship online rather than face-to-face (38 percent) in a pub, bar, restaurant, club or workplace.
It also emerged women are the ones leading the way with 79 percent using online as their preference compared to 59 percent of men.
For these women, the benefits include access to a more diverse dating pool (59 percent), convenience (52 percent), and the fact that it’s quick and easy to find someone new if a potential date is not interested
But before you go swiping right, there are limitations to what is and isn’t acceptable online and it seems the rules of engagement are confusing.
For instance, 36 percent of women questioned say they would be disinterested if they received an unsolicited nude via an app or website.
One in three (35 percent) said they’d prefer to ask for sex in person because they would be able to gauge reaction much easier.
Almost two-thirds of men on the other hand say they’re intrigued or turned on by unsolicited nude pictures (61 percent).
Christoph Kraemer of Ashley Madison said: “Interestingly enough women are more likely to send a text for a breakup, ghost, bench or slow fade someone than men – whether it is with a partner they’ve met online or in person.
“The explanation probably is, just as why they prefer online dating, that it allows them more control of the situation.”
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