Despite Disapproval, Ghosting Remains a Common Reality in Singapore’s Dating Scene
A recent survey conducted by Bumble reveals a striking contradiction in the dating habits of Singaporeans. While a significant majority disapprove of ghosting—defined as abruptly cutting off communication without explanation—three out of five individuals have either ghosted someone or have been ghosted themselves.
Bumble’s survey, which polled 1,001 Gen Z and millennials in Singapore in early August, found that 65% of respondents believe ghosting is an inappropriate way to end a relationship. Among Gen Z participants, a noteworthy 69% disapprove of ghosting, while 38% of millennials consider it a “normal” occurrence in the dating landscape.
Despite these views, the data shows that 57% of respondents admitted to ghosting someone, and 61% reported having experienced the disappointment of being ghosted. For those who found themselves on the receiving end of ghosting, 73% indicated that it occurred shortly after just a few message exchanges.
The survey highlighted the primary reason for ghosting as a lack of connection, with 56% of participants citing it as their motivation. Interestingly, women tend to ghost more than men when they feel turned off by a potential date. Three out of five millennials would choose to ghost due to a lack of connection, compared to only 51% of Gen Zers.
Other reasons for ghosting included being too busy (43%) and wanting to avoid the awkwardness of explaining the cessation of communication (37%). However, the emotional fallout of ghosting can be significant. The survey found that 42% of respondents felt discouraged by the experience, 38% reported decreased confidence, and 34% grew wary of dating altogether.
Notably, ghosting appears to have a more pronounced effect on men’s confidence, with 44% of male respondents feeling undermined compared to 30% of female respondents.
Lucille McCart, Bumble’s Asia-Pacific communications director, emphasized the company’s stance against ghosting in a press release. “At Bumble, we are firmly against ghosting and believe that it is always better to have open and honest conversations if you’d like to end a relationship, or even just a correspondence,” she stated. “This momentary discomfort is an act of kindness and respect, providing closure to move on.”
She encouraged anyone who has experienced ghosting to view it as a sign that the person was not the right match for them, urging resilience in the face of such emotional challenges.
