Ghosting — when someone cuts off all communication without explanation — happens way too often in the age of online dating.

The online dating life makes it hard enough to maintain real-life friendships and it’s impossible to actually be friends with everyone you’re friends with online. If you’ve met someone once and now you don't want to see them again, you usually end up ghosting them. But why do we do that? We spoke to some millennials to find out why they ghost people -

"I hate confrontations - and having one with a person who you barely know is honestly the worst. There's nothing better than ghosting in that situation, it's the easiest way out and you never have to see the person again - anyone would take that option than straight-up rejecting them." Aniket, 24.

"I hate it when people message me about how they think it isn't "working out." It's just easier to ghost me instead - don't give me excuses or whatever. That's why I always ghost - there's no need to make things awkward and it doesn't make it better to tell someone indirectly that you don't like them. You stop texting them and that's the message you need anyway." Juliana, 27.

"There's no good way to tell someone you never want to see them or talk to them ever again. And saying it straight to their face isn't any better. I just ghost people because it is easier for everyone - and no one gets hurt - at least not directly. Ghosting makes everything easier." Pranav, 24.

"I guess I ghost people because I get scared that I'm going to hurt someone if I tell them I never want to see them again. It's just really mean I think, it's so much nicer to just let things be instead. No one wants to be told that someone doesn't like you. I think everyone benefits from ghosting and no one has to be sad or mean or awkward." Sukanya, 26.

"It's just easier for me, I hate telling people I don't like them. Ghosting puts that message through a little more gently and people don't have to get into a messy conversation. The entire point of ghosting is to let someone down easy, and I think it's the best way to do it. Plus if you have to pull the plug on a relationship - it's different, then ghosting sucks. But if it's after just a few dates and you really don't want to see them again or don't know them enough - it's the best option." Akshay, 28.

Do you think ghosting is an easy way to end things? Or is it just hurtful and maybe even rude?