Social media users across the globe are finding romantic relationships and friendships online. When things do not work out, some people may decide to suddenly vanish or “ghost” the other person. However, this new online trend is unhealthy and has detrimental impacts on the recipient.
Ghosting is a new way of ending relationships by simply cutting off all contact including phone calls, texts and social media. According to the New York Times, “in October 2014, a YouGov/Huffington Post poll of 1,000 adults showed that 11 percent of Americans had ‘ghosted’ someone.”
The New York Times explains that ghosting can be attributed to the fact that apps such as Tinder and Grindr make is easy to see that another relationship is just around the corner. Many people blame their own “fear, insecurity and immaturity” for their actions. Not only do these apps make ghosting more predominant for people to “take the easy way out,” but they also make it easier to see that a person may be talking to someone else while ignoring you, which has negative effects of its own.
Ghosting can leave people confused, hurt and paranoid. It’s a selfish move because one person pulls out of a relationship without the sense of discomfort that the other person will ultimately feel. It is selfish to take the easy way out and not consider what the other person will be going through for months and possibly years after.
Ghosting can have long-term negative effects on the person being ghosted. They deserve more respect and should be given an actual conversation rather than simply being cut off. People who consider the option of ghosting should look at the overall effect of their decisions rather than looking at their present situation from only their own perspective.
Communication is a mature and healthy way to let people know how you feel. The American Psychological Association states that healthy relationships are built on talking openly and discussing tough topics. Even if one finds that they are no longer interested, ending the relationship should be done in a healthy way, which goes back to the key of an actual discussion.
Unless the relationship is toxic or abusive, abruptly cutting off communication is never okay and people deserve healthy and honest conversations. Rather than suddenly disappearing, couples should take the time to honestly discuss their intentions. Ghosting may seem like an easy way out, but it is immature and hurtful to those who will have to endure its negative effects.
