College students are increasingly turning to "no contact orders" (NCOs) to avoid dealing with interpersonal conflicts—far beyond their original purpose of protecting survivors of sexual assault. These orders, which legally restrict contact between individuals, are now being used for everything from petty roommate squabbles to awkward ex encounters. Critics argue it’s a sign of a generation that’d rather bureaucratize discomfort than hash things out directly.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about students dodging drama—it’s a window into how younger generations handle conflict (or avoid it altogether). If NCOs become the default for minor disputes, it could strain campus resources meant for serious cases and leave students unequipped to navigate real-world tensions. Plus, it raises questions: Are we institutionalizing avoidance, or is this just smart boundary-setting in a digital age? Either way, it’s changing how campuses deal with friction.