Ghosting in Online Dating: A Comprehensive Exploration on What, How and Why of Ghosting

Abstract

The review paper examines the phenomenon of ghosting, a widely used break up strategy on dating apps nowadays. Ghosting, a relationship dissolution strategy involves ending a relationship by abruptly cutting off all the contacts with the partner without any direct confrontation, closure, and explanation of why the person ended the relationship which includes ignoring partner’s calls and messages, blocking, or unfriending the partner from all social media platform without facing them directly, initiating breakup process. The paper discusses the reason, process and the consequences of the process ghosting in detail. Ghosters attributed the cause of ghosting to ghosting been an easy, safe, and convenient option with avoidance of direct confrontation, affordance provided by the dating apps, and the negative qualities of the ghostee encouraging the act of ghosting. Other factors contributing to ghosting are the personality traits, ghoster’s attachment style, commitment issues and high level of anxiety among the ghoster. The episode of ghosting has been seen to impact the ghostee’s emotions, trust issues, self- esteem and overall well- being. Looking at the increasing prevalence of ghosting, insightful research should be provided to minimize the act and impact of ghosting, especially on dating apps.