Indian Singles Adopt Softer Rejection Practices on Dating Apps

A recent survey by Indian dating app QuackQuack reveals that many users are shifting away from harsh rejection methods like ghosting toward more considerate approaches. Conducted between January and April 2026 among 9,347 daters aged 23–35 across Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities, the study found that 51% described the current environment as the “soft exit season.”

Instead of abrupt cutoffs or confrontations, 48% of respondents prefer “kind rejection,” gradually reducing communication by delaying replies or shortening conversations. Around 70% said they intentionally create distance rather than blocking or going cold turkey, aiming to minimize emotional harm. Ending interactions with some form of explanation is also becoming more common.

The survey identified two specific trends: “nice avoidance” and “soft ghosting.” Thirty-nine percent of women in cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kolkata, and 31% of men in Pune, Kochi, and Ahmedabad use “nice avoidance,” opting for indirect statements such as “I’m working on myself right now” or “I’m not the right fit currently.” Meanwhile, 44% of users aged 22–28 practice soft ghosting — slowly fading contact while occasionally maintaining minimal interaction, such as liking a post. This approach is particularly common among young men.

QuackQuack CEO Ravi Mittal attributed the shift to greater emotional awareness and a focus on mental health. “Modern daters’ focus on mental health and introspection made it possible for even exit to look kinder,” he said. User Nayanika, 27, from Pune, noted that while brutal honesty may be faster, emotionally aware endings better align with intentional dating.