As dating becomes increasingly online in today’s digital age, 2025 has seen both new possibilities and new challenges for contemporary relationships. While apps and social media have helped bring people together, they’ve also created some toxic dating trends that leave people befuddled, emotionally spent, or worse. Here are five of the most destructive trends of 2025 and how you can avoid them.
1. Future-Faking
Future-faking entails making big gestures toward a shared future—such as cohabiting or matrimony—early in a relationship and never intending to do so. This behavior tends to create false expectation and emotional investment.
How to Avoid: Opt for steady actions over big words. When someone makes too much about the future early on, stop and see if their actions align with their words.
2. Breadcrumbing 2.0
An advanced stage of emotional manipulation, this one has inconsistent texting, taking a sudden liking to old posts, and mysterious plans—enough to hold your interest but never enough to follow through on.
How to Escape: Establish boundaries and don’t accept lukewarm attention. If someone contacts you only when it suits them, it’s time to leave.
3. AI Catfishing
As AI-created images and chatbot profiles are gaining popularity, artificial tools are now used by some individuals to develop fake personas appearing real—thus making deception more advanced than ever.
How to Avoid: Always video call prior to meeting with a person and compare their web presence. Be wary of profiles appearing “too perfect” or stay away from live interaction.
4. Orbiting
This is when a person ceases to communicate with you but remains in the audience of your tales, such as your posts, or remain present in your online sphere without connecting.
How to Avoid: Mute or delete such contacts. Emotional closure is difficult when a person keeps sticking around online but without concrete connection.
5. Therapy-Speak Ghosting
A trend where people disappear from relationships using therapeutic jargon like “I’m protecting my energy” or “This isn’t serving me,” instead of communicating directly.
How to Avoid: Prioritize emotionally mature partners who are capable of honest, respectful conversations—even when it’s uncomfortable.
ALSO READ: Top 7 Celebrities Love Tips for a Strong Relationship
Share
Shirish Reddy Responds to Game Changer Controversy; Clarifies His Words
India's Best and Worst Cities for Sleep: Ranked by Noise Pollution
