Left on read? ‘Ghosting’ more than likely living in Chicago, survey finds

CHICAGO (WGN) — As the month of love nears its end, stories of heartbreak are aplenty, as tears and disdain are more often than not due to an abrupt end to communication.

It’s called “ghosting,” which Merriam-Webster defines as the act of suddenly ending all contact with someone without explanation, whether by unanswered text messages, calls, or voicemails. Chicagoans are all too familiar with the experience, according to a survey of more than 1,500 residents living in 30 of the largest metropolitan areas in the US.

Phone management company Numberbarn’s findings reveal that 56% of Chicagoans reported ghosting someone within the last year. Chicago residents also ghosted more than one person per year, and 68% say they’ve been ghosted. 

The survey also found that ghosting happens in personal, professional, and dating contexts. Avoiding conflict, toxic behavior, and lack of mutual effort in the relationship are the most common reasons people ghost. 

Other cities with the highest ghosting rates include Washington, D.C., Tampa, Dan Francisco, Austin, and Las Vegas.

According to survey respondents, 75% of singles admit to having been ghosted by someone they were dating or chatting with on a dating app.

The survey also found that men (77%) report being ghosted slightly more than women (72%).

Rank	City	Percentage Of Those Who Have Been Ghosted	Average Times Ghosted By Someone In The Past 12 months	Average Number of People Ghosted In The Past 12 Months	Percentage Who Have Ghosted Someone
1.)	Washington D.C.	76.0%	3.4	5.1	76.0%
2.)	Tampa, FL	83.3%	2	3	72.9%
3.)	San Francisco, CA	72.3%	2.7	4.2	68.1%
4.)	Austin, TX	72.0%	1.7	3.1	63.3%
5.)	Las Vegas, NV	72.0%	1.7	2.5	60.0%
6.)	San Diego, CA	71.1%	1.7	2.4	60.0%
7.)	Memphis, TN	70.5%	1.4	2	59.1%
8.)	Houston, TX	72.9%	2	3.8	56.3%
9.)	San Antonio, TX	64%	1.9	3.2	56.3%
10.)	Chicago, IL	68%	1	1.2	56%

Perhaps unsurprisingly, younger generations lead the ghosting pack. Gen Z (52%) and millennials (52%) admit they are more likely to ghost relationships and potential employers during the hiring or interview process. 

Ghosting can be costly, however, as 44% of respondents say they have never reconciled with someone who ghosted them.

Click here to see the full results of Numberbarn’s survey.