Dating apps swap ghosting for gentler goodbyes, says survey

MUMBAI: Love may still sting, but at least the goodbye text is getting better manners. In the era of emotionally aware swiping, India’s dating app users seem to be trading dramatic exits and ruthless ghosting for softer, kinder rejections, one delayed reply at a time. A new survey by dating app QuackQuack has found that nearly 51% of users across Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities now prefer what the platform calls a “soft exit season”, where relationships and online connections are ended with more emotional sensitivity instead of abrupt cut-offs.

The study, conducted between January and April 2026, surveyed 9,347 users aged between 23 and 35 across metros and smaller cities. The findings suggest that modern dating culture in India is shifting away from explosive confrontations and silent disappearances towards a more measured, emotionally conscious style of rejection.

In other words, heartbreak now comes wrapped in softer packaging.

According to the report, 48% of users said they intentionally choose gentler rejection styles that minimise emotional damage. Instead of instantly blocking or vanishing, nearly seven in 10 daters said they gradually reduce interactions, delay replies, shorten conversations and slowly distance themselves from someone they are no longer interested in.

The move marks a notable change from the ghosting-heavy culture that dominated dating apps for years, where disappearing without explanation became the internet’s least favourite breakup strategy.

For many users, emotional intelligence is now becoming part of dating etiquette.

Nayanika, a 27-year-old user from Pune quoted in the survey, said modern connections deserve emotionally aware endings too. “It’s not kind to be brutally honest about your disinterest,” she said, adding that meaningful relationships should also have thoughtful endings.

QuackQuack founder and chief executive officer Ravi Mittal said the shift reflects growing awareness around mental health and introspection among young users. He noted that even users from fast-paced metros such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru are now trying to reject people more thoughtfully instead of opting for harsh exits.

One trend gaining traction is what the report describes as “nice avoidance” essentially the art of saying “it’s me, not you” with digital finesse.

The survey found that 39% of women from Hyderabad, Mumbai and Kolkata, along with 31% of men from Pune, Kochi and Ahmedabad, now favour softer rejection cues over blunt honesty. Instead of directly saying “not interested”, many users rely on phrases such as “I’m working on myself right now” or “I’m not the right fit currently”.

The language, the report noted, increasingly focuses on “I” statements, signalling a more self-aware and less accusatory approach to ending connections.

Ajay, a 29-year-old content creator cited in the survey, described vague exits as hurtful but argued that humiliating someone is equally unkind. He said softer distancing allows people to take responsibility while also protecting their own emotional boundaries.

Then comes the dating world’s newest grey area: soft ghosting.

According to over 44% of users aged between 22 and 28, soft ghosting has become the middle ground between complete disappearance and continued romance. Instead of vanishing entirely, users slowly fade from conversations while occasionally liking posts, reacting to stories or checking in casually.

The relationship may be over, but the algorithmic haunting continues.

Interestingly, the report found that young men are more likely to adopt this approach, maintaining light digital contact even after emotionally stepping away from the connection.

The findings point towards a broader cultural shift in how young Indians approach online relationships. While dating apps once thrived on speed, instant chemistry and equally instant exits, the new playbook appears more focused on emotional caution, self-awareness and kinder communication.

The romance may still fizzle out, but increasingly, users seem determined to ensure the exit does not leave emotional scorch marks behind.