Susannah Alexander

2023: It’s time we confront the spookiness In recent years, the phenomenon of ghosting has become increasingly common in the world of dating. Ghosting is a term used to describe when someone suddenly and without explanation cuts off all communication with another person they've been dating or talking to romantically. This behaviour can happen at any stage of the relationship, and it can be particularly devastating for women who are trying to navigate the dating scene. Research has shown that ghosting can have negative effects on mental health, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of rejection and abandonment (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Shepard et al., 2015). For women who have been ghosted, these negative effects can be compounded by societal pressures to be accommodating and put the needs of others before their own. This can lead to women feeling like they need to constantly cater to the desires of their partners, even if it means sacrificing their own needs and desires. Moreover, the phenomenon of ghosting can be seen as a symptom of larger cultural issues related to gender roles and power dynamics. Women are often socialized to be more emotional and therefore more vulnerable in relationships, which can make them targets for men who are less emotionally invested or less interested in commitment. This can create a power dynamic in which women are left feeling powerless and at the mercy of their male partners. Research has also shown that ghosting can be a form of passive aggression or emotional abuse, as it involves withholding communication and leaving the other person in a state of confusion and uncertainty (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Kiefer & Sanchez, 2007). In some cases, ghosting can be a way for the person doing the ghosting to exert control over the other person and avoid confrontation or difficult conversations. While the phenomenon of ghosting is often associated with online dating, it has been found to occur in both online and offline dating contexts (Shepard et al., 2015). In fact, a survey of over 1,300 adults found that 25% of respondents had been ghosted at some point in their dating lives (Bohnert et al., 2019). To address the problem of ghosting, it is important to promote healthy relationship behaviors and communication skills. This includes setting clear boundaries, expressing emotions and needs effectively, and being respectful and honest in all interactions. Additionally, it is important to challenge gender stereotypes and power imbalances in relationships, and to promote gender equality and mutual respect. In conclusion, ghosting is a pervasive problem in the world of dating, and it can have negative effects on mental health and self-esteem, especially for women. Addressing this problem requires a broader cultural shift towards healthy relationship behaviors and communication skills, as well as promoting gender equality and mutual respect in all relationships. References: Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497-529. Bohnert, A. E., McLeod, B. D., & Shields, A. L. (2019). Ghosting and psychological distress: Examining the moderating roles of attachment anxiety, fears of negative evaluation, and selfesteem. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 36(3), 837-856. Kiefer, S. M., & Sanchez, D. T. (2007). Scripting sexual passivity: A gender role perspective. Sex Roles, 56(11-12), 773-782. Shepard, L. C., Campbell, J. A., & Brodsky, S. L. (2015). Ghosting as a relationship dissolution strategy in the technological age. Conference Paper, National Communication Association Convention, Las