What is Ghosting?
“Ghosting,” the act of disappearing in a phantom-like fashion from someone you are seeing, is prevalent in today’s dating culture and it is objectively terrible behavior.
Who Does It?
There has certainly been a rise in this behavior among the younger generation, a sign of things to come. Many find this method as an easy way to end things with someone you have less in common with than you thought.
Why They Do It – Technology?
Perhaps the reason for this rise in behavior corresponds to the increasing use of social media and other technologies. It is sad to hear a relationship story end with, “And I never heard from them again.” Often times this is due to the lack of interpersonal communication that comes with Millennials, their aforementioned technology, and new dating apps. Relationships just aren’t what they used to be.
For some people, it could be hard to express a simple, “Hey, I had a fun few dates with you but I don’t think we’re right for each other beyond that.” The thought of that may be scary. Something, even more, scary is the thought that the dating scene may be becoming a ghost in itself. With the rise of dating apps and social media hook-ups, one can account for the decline in “dating.”
The Outcome
Debatable is whether or not technology has made ghosting more predominant. Regardless, technology has undoubtedly made the act sting that much more. Love interests have access to communicate with much more people thanks to new media, all while ignoring you.
According to a study on preferred relationship termination strategies conducted in the 1970’s by Leslie A. Baxter and Jeffrey Philpott, when one party chooses to end a relationship through avoidance, it is likely to trigger more anger and hurt – and lead to confrontation.
To be honest, I have been on both sides of this issue and it is truly terrible for both parties, more-so for the recipient. It is easy for those on the outside of the issue to simply say, “Get over it” or “Grow some thick skin.” However, being on the side of this issue can hurt if it constantly happens. If you are ever on the receiving end, as cliche as it may sound, it’s not you, it’s them. It is time to let the ghosts haunt someone else.
