Ghosting After A Date To Avoid Paying Them Back

A Sept. 22 study from Zelle found that 52% of Gen Z daters have ghosted, blocked or unfollowed someone at least once to avoid paying them back after a date. As Gen Z, the cohort born between 1997 and 2012, struggles with financial anxiety in their dating lives, the process of paying for dates is becoming increasingly stressful. Many are struggling to settle up, with some daters reporting the experience has pushed them into debt or made them resentful.

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Gen Z, saddled with student loans and entering a slowing U.S. labor market amid skyrocketing costs of living, is increasingly anxious about their financial situation, and it’s carrying into their dating lives. The study, which surveyed 900 Gen Z respondents and 900 Millennials, found that rising costs have affected 84% of active daters, many of whom are choosing less expensive or free activities or going on fewer dates. Twenty percent of Gen Z respondents report going into debt to maintain a lifestyle with someone they’re dating, and 19% have asked family or friends for a loan to take someone on a date. 

Source: USA Today