Relationships Talk

It may also be more common among younger generations. Eric Hegedus, 55, the chair of the physical therapy department at High Point University in North Carolina, says he has never requested ghostwriting assistance.

However, when his daughter, 25, asks him for work-related advice, Dr. Hegedus obliges. “She’ll say, ‘My employer sent me this offer. This is how I’m planning to respond. Will you take a look and let me know if there’s anything else you would ask, or if there’s any way else you would say this?’” he said.

Dr. Hegedus’s daughter doesn’t ask her father for relationship tips. Sometimes, though, her mother, Tess, gets involved on dating apps: matchmaking with cellphone in hand.

“She and my daughter sit side by side. They’re discussing back and forth,” Dr. Hegedus said. “Occasionally, my daughter will say, ‘not that guy,’ and my wife will swipe the wrong direction.”

Professional Help

Inevitably there are now professionals to intervene in such situations.

“I don’t want people to let obstacles, or lack of time, stop them from online dating,” said Erika Ettin, 36, founder of A Little Nudge in Washington, D.C.

Ms. Ettin, an online dating coach with 15 to 20 clients, rewrites profiles, administers advice and swipes on behalf of singles. “I write to potential matches,” she said. “I respond. I delete the inappropriate people.”