Why would he suddenly stop replying to me but still interacts with me on social media?

[Anonymous]

I have a guy friend whom we have been hanging out with each other a lot the past two months but now he “suddenly” got slower at replying to my text messages and i’m generally confused why he would ignore my texts but comments on my instagram stories actively and likes all my ig stories or posts but can’t even text me back. My texts aren’t flirty or anything but a simple “are you busy this week” or “how have you been” and before he would reply right away but now he doesn’t. I don't know why he is acting like this and i know he is purposely ignoring me because he is active on social media. But makes me confused is he makes small talk on social media but can’t even reply to my text. What is the reason for this kind of behavior?

[HollyK21]

Sounds like he’s trying to establish some detachment. I don't know what it is mentally but some people find chatting on social media vs texting through actual phone numbers less personal. Same goes for those people only communicate through WhatsApp, snapchat, even dating app DMs.
As for his reason he’s trying to create this separation? Without clarification from him we are only left to speculate but one thing I feel certain of is if it started on a trajectory and now headed backwards then it sounds like he’s just not that into you. It could be as simple as him feeling like you are taking things serious and he isn’t ready to work towards commitment but doesn’t wanna say it. All this to say, if you want a clear answer then of course asking him is best, but it looks like the writing is already on the wall.