Dean and Nicole met online in 2018, sharing a Chicago upbringing and spiritual values. Their relationship seemed perfect—no fights, open communication—but by 2022, Dean saw Nicole as overly negative about gender issues. He ghosted her, feeling relieved.

In the world of dating apps, ghosting is common. But long-term relationships ending abruptly are becoming more frequent. Even Gen Z are severing ties without closure, often turning heartbreak into viral content.

Professor Liesel Sharabi notes that digital communication makes ghosting easier and potentially more socially acceptable, despite its harms. For some, it's a nervous system strategy, while for others, it’s about escaping abuse.

As Dean says, 'I absolutely made the right decision.' But is this the future of relationships? Will we see less empathy in our digital age?