Survey data show a growing number of Americans are choosing to cut ties rather than repair strained relationships, with younger generations especially likely to go “no contact.” The figures come from a March survey of 2,000 adults conducted by Talker Research for the therapy platform Talkspace and reveal shifting habits around conflict, communication, and personal boundaries.
Nearly two in five adults — 38% — reported they had gone “no contact” with a friend or family member in the past year. That single stat captures a wider change in how people respond when ties become difficult or emotionally costly.
The generation gap is stark: 60% of Gen Z respondents said they had cut someone off, compared with 50% of millennials, 38% of Gen X and 20% of baby boomers. Those numbers suggest younger people are faster to sever connections rather than stay and negotiate through problems.
Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi said, “These results suggest that avoiding relationship challenges is becoming more common,” and she warned, “But that approach can come with its own risks, making it harder to sustain meaningful connections over time and leading to more loneliness.” Her comments underline a tension between short-term relief and long-term social cost.
Clinicians in practice report similar patterns, with therapists seeing more young adults opting to stop contact with parents and other relatives. One psychotherapist noted that this generation often has less patience for ongoing problematic behavior and may choose separation over repeated confrontation.
“This generation appears to have a low tolerance for otherwise poor behavior from their parents,” the psychotherapist observed, and added, “They are often conflict-avoidant, which prevents them from trying to meaningfully work through their issues with their parents.” Those twin dynamics — low tolerance and avoidance — can push families into abrupt breakups.
Survey respondents pointed to feeling disrespected as the top reason for cutting ties, cited by 36% of participants. Nearly 30% said a relationship harmed their mental health or that the other person was overly negative, making distance feel necessary for self-preservation.
Once a cutoff happens, it often sticks: among people who went “no contact” in the past year, 59% reported they were still not speaking to the other person. The data hint that these decisions are not always temporary fixes but can become long-term shifts in social circles.
The poll also suggested a broader retreat from uncomfortable interactions: 73% said their instinct in relationship trouble is to step back rather than engage in discussion. Many respondents also admitted to blocking someone on social media or removing loved ones from group chats in the last year.
Experts caution that going zero contact is not a one-size-fits-all solution and should usually be a last resort. “I always recommend my patients try ongoing family therapy, compromise and implementing boundaries,” one clinician advised, acknowledging there are rare situations where separation is necessary but emphasizing other routes first.
Therapists who work with families echoed that cutting ties often brings complicated feelings. “Some people think that once you go no-contact, you’ll immediately feel peace. That’s usually not the case,” one therapist said, calling the choice “often a heart-wrenching and even agonizing process.” She also noted, “No contact can become fertile ground for future reconciliation.”
