A growing number of Americans are choosing to cut off contact with friends or family instead of working through relationship challenges. A recent survey of 2,000 adults found that 38 percent had gone “no contact” with someone in the past year. Experts say this shift may reflect a broader tendency to avoid difficult conversations, but it can also make it harder to maintain meaningful connections and may increase feelings of loneliness over time.
The trend is especially common among younger generations. According to the survey, 60 percent of Gen Z respondents reported going no contact, compared to 50 percent of millennials, 38 percent of Gen X, and 20 percent of baby boomers. Some therapists note that younger adults often have a lower tolerance for negative behavior and may avoid conflict altogether, while older generations may be less willing to take responsibility for relationship issues. This dynamic can leave both sides stuck, with little room for compromise.
Many respondents said they chose to cut ties because they felt disrespected or believed the relationship was harming their mental health. Others described the person as overly negative. These decisions often last, with nearly 60 percent of those who went no contact saying they are still not speaking to that person. The survey also found that 73 percent of people tend to distance themselves during conflict rather than communicate, with many blocking loved ones on social media or removing them from group chats.
While some experts acknowledge that going no contact can be necessary in certain situations, they caution that it should usually be a last resort. Therapists recommend trying family therapy, setting clear boundaries, and working toward compromise before severing ties completely. They also warn that cutting someone off is rarely an easy solution and can be emotionally painful. At the same time, some believe that taking space can create an opportunity for healing and possible reconciliation in the future.
For more information see Deirdre Bardolf “‘No contact’ on the rise: Nearly 2 in 5 Americans cut ties with loved ones,” Fox News, April 25, 2026.