An article on relationships written for  dating website
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