Holding open doors, pulling out chairs, dropping her off at her door before 9 pm. We live in a world where chivalrous societal norms have disappeared and seemed to have blurred from normalcy. Cue Valentine’s Day.
Where Has Chivalry Gone? The ubiquity of social media has unfortunately had quite an effect on romance culture. The ghosting culture has increased because we have someone to swipe “right” or “left” on at our fingertips and judge purely at face value. A lack of human connection detaches feeling from our interactions when it’s done through a screen.
The Age Of Ghosting
Cision says that
“More than 15% of users surveyed said they would celebrate Valentine’s Day if they had someone to celebrate it with, but unfortunately the ghosting culture is too strong.”
Ghosting is a cruel form of rejection. The Ph.D author and licensed clinical psychologist Ramani Durvasula tells Glamour that “Ghosting is becoming more common because it is so easy to do.” It’s removing individuals from the moral necessity of confrontation, open communication, and being honest.
Ghosting is particularly painful on Valentine’s Day. The lack of closure makes it feel like none of it was real at all. Our phone screens have become an excuse to detach our personal emotions and feelings. An avenue to get away “guilt-free”. It can have effects on mental health and damage the confidence of individuals. It’s a saddening issue spreading through the whirlwinds of our society, that is
“undoubtedly hurting the confidence of individuals, and even turning them off of romance completely.”
Source: Cision
How Gen Z Are Spending Valentine’s Day
In replacement of the holiday, renowned for Cupid’s arrow of love piercing the hearts of couples worldwide, females are replacing it with “Galentine’s Day.”
Inspired by an episode of Parks and Recreation. By celebrating the love of their friendships, which are more dependable and reliable.
In 2021,
“26% of Generation Z reported they would make the day about loving themselves and treating themselves with gifts.”
Source: Wishbone
According to greatist, this “ambiguity and lack of closure is a recipe for increased anxiety.” It is definitely something to reflect on, in this overarching fear that our human attributes including our ability to be vulnerable, honest and open with a significant other, are fading in the era of ghosting.
Ultimately, whether you’ve spent the day with a significant other, enjoyed a shameless box of chocolates, had too many cocktails with friends, or even forgot the day existed, we send you a warm (and late) Happy Valentine’s Day, from FIB.
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