{
  "id": 15335471,
  "title": "Why Is Soft-Blocking Becoming The New Way To Create Distance On Social Media?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/why-is-soft-blocking-becoming-the-new-way-to-create-distance-on",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T02:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/why-is-soft-blocking-becoming-the-new-way-to-create-distance-on-social-media"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Soft-blocking has emerged as a modern method to establish distance on social media platforms, particularly when the relationship has grown distant or become uncomfortable. Instead of outright blocking, individuals may choose to remove someone from their followers, unfollow them, or adjust their account settings to limit access. This approach allows for creating space without making the decision feel final or confrontational.\n\nJash Nankani, a 25-year-old Gen Z individual, explains that soft-blocking provides a subtle way to maintain boundaries, especially when paths may cross again. Dipal Mehta, a counselor and psychologist, adds that soft-blocking can help protect one's peace when a relationship feels draining or communication becomes unsafe.\n\nWhile soft-blocking may help avoid awkward conversations, it does not guarantee privacy, as the person being blocked may still view your social media activity. However, it can provide a sense of control over who sees your life updates and reduces the likelihood of unwanted attention.\n\nUltimately, the choice between soft-blocking and outright blocking depends on personal preferences and emotional readiness. Both methods allow individuals to set boundaries and manage their online presence, but it is essential to ensure that the chosen approach genuinely aids in emotional well-being and healthy relationship dynamics.",
  "summary": "You no longer want someone in your life, but blocking them feels a little too dramatic. Maybe it is an ex, an old friend or someone you have quietly grown apart from. Instead of blocking them, you remove them from your followers, unfollow them or make your account less accessible to them. No announcement, no confrontation, no explanation. Welcome to soft-blocking, the social media version of…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}