The fact is, most prevarication occurs to protect the other party. We don't want to hurt someone's feelings so we tell them their dress looks good on them.

We do it all the time. We let down people easily...all the time. You can do the same with ending a relationship. Instead of ghosting., you can advise someone of prior commitments, etc. It is a kind of innocent misrepresentation.

Two things have driven the circumstances about which you complain: The erosion of civility and the rise of the internet. We no longer live in a polite society. And we treat our dating inventory accordingly.

The internet has created a much greater supply of dating prospects. This doesn't make it easer; it makes it harder. It is easier to choose from just a few than from the many.

Good article - I share your lament.