The term “ghosting” has recently changed in some important ways because it is now more commonly used to describe a particular type of behavior. Ghosting is the act of abruptly ending all communication with someone, especially with another person well-known to someone. It can be seen as a form of cowardice because it allows the person who ghosts to avoid any potential confrontation or difficult conversations. Some people might argue that ghosting is acceptable if the other person is not respectful or kind, but this argument fails to take into account the emotional damage that can be caused by being ghosted. Ghosting can leave the victim feeling hurt and angry, making it difficult to move on from it. Ghosting may raise questions about its appropriateness, offensiveness, and inaccuracy since it leads to painful experiences for ghosted individuals.
The term “ghosting” raises questions about its appropriateness because it is used to describe emotionally damaging behavior and can leave the person who has been ghosted feeling confused and alone. When someone ghosts another person, they are essentially disappearing on them without any warning or explanation (LeFebvre et al., 2019). This can be hurtful, especially if the person who has been ghosted was expecting a future with the person who ghosted them. There is no doubt that the use of the term “ghosting” trivializes serious issues. Therefore, it is crucial to be thoughtful about how to use this term and remember that real human pain is behind it.
Additionally, ghosting can be seen as a way of avoiding an honest conversation. Telling others the bitter truth might not be the politest thing, but it is certainly better than leading someone on and then disappearing without a trace. That said, there are times when ghosting is the right thing to do (Moran & Disney, 2019). For example, if a person has been dating someone for a while and suddenly starts behaving in a way that makes them uncomfortable. Such behaviors may include making sexual advances when the other party is not interested; it might be better to ghost them than to have an awkward conversation about why no longer interested.
Ghosting has come under criticism in recent months for its seeming offensiveness. It is not always easy to have difficult conversations, especially if someone emotionally invested in the outcome. That is why some people choose to ghost instead of dealing with the conflict head-on. Ghosting may seem like an easy way out, but it creates more problems in the long run (LeFebvre et al., 2019). It often leaves the other person feeling emotional pain, making it difficult to resolve any issues that may have arisen.
Similarly, while there are differing opinions on the matter, many people believe that ghosting is cowardly and immature behavior. When someone ghosts, they essentially disappear without any warning or explanation. This can leave you feeling emotional and mental pain, not to mention wondering why things happen the way they do. There are certainly times when ghosting is warranted; for instance, if the person dated is disrespectful or physically abusive (Moran, & Disney, 2019). However, in most cases, there are better ways to handle difficult conversations or breakups than simply disappearing without a trace. If considering ghosting someone, it is vital to ask if it is worth the risk of damaging their emotions (not to mention their conscience).
Moreover, there are certainly nicer ways to end a relationship, “ghosting” is just plain rude. It is a way of avoiding the uncomfortable conversation that needs to happen when ending things with someone, leaving the other person sadly. It is also worth noting that ghosting can damage someone’s confidence (LeFebvre & Fan, 2020). When one is ghosted, it feels like not good enough or worthy of an explanation, and this can be tough to overcome, especially if they have been ghosted multiple times.
The way “ghosting” raises questions about its inaccuracy is that it creates an environment where people can no longer trust the people they are dating. When someone ghosts their partner, they tell them that their time together meant nothing to them and that they had no respect whatsoever (LeFebvre & Fan, 2020). Such treatment can damage a person’s self-esteem and make them feel like they are not good enough or are not worth anyone’s time. It can also lead to mistrust of other people, which is not a desirable outcome. Generally, “ghosting” causes more harm than good and should be discouraged.
There is a lot of debate surrounding ghosting as a means of breaking up with someone. Some people think it is more humane to ghost someone than to break up with them in person, while others feel it is cowardly and unfair (Moran & Disney, 2019). Many people believe that ghosting is a less than ideal way to break up with someone, but similarly, they understand why people might choose to do it. Sometimes it can be difficult to break up with someone face-to-face, especially knowing that they will take the news hard. In cases like that, ghosting can be seen as sparing the other person from an uncomfortable conversation.
There are a few reasons why breaking up with someone in person is more humane than ghosting them. First, it provides the person being broken up with some closure. They get to hear why their partner is ending things, and they can ask any questions they may have. This can be helpful in terms of processing the breakup and moving on (Moran & Disney, 2019). Second, ghosting often leaves the other person confused, hurt, and rejected. They may spend days or weeks wondering what they did wrong or what they could have done differently to make their partner stay, thus damaging one’s mental health.
In addition, people often ghost because they want to avoid the pain of a breakup. It is much easier to disappear and never speak to the person again than to have an uncomfortable conversation and tell them that no longer interested in continuing the relationship. Ghosting similarly allows people to deal with their breakups in their own time and way (LeFebvre & Fan, 2020). Some people might need a few days or weeks to gather their thoughts and figure out what they want to say, while others might prefer never to speak to the person again. Ghosting allows people to do what is best for them without worrying about how the other person will react.
In conclusion, “ghosting” has taken on a new meaning in recent years. Originally, it was used to describe the behavior of someone who disappeared without any warning or explanation. However, in recent years, the term has been used to describe the behavior of someone who terminates a relationship by cutting off all communication with the other person without any explanation. The use of the term “ghosting” to describe this type of behavior is problematic because it implies that the person being ghosted is responsible for the termination of the relationship. In reality, it is often the person who ghosts who is responsible for ending the relationship. By cutting off all communication with their partner, they are forcing them to end things.
References
LeFebvre, L. E., & Fan, X. (2020). Ghosted: Navigating strategies for reducing uncertainty and implications surrounding ambiguous loss. Personal Relationships, 27(2), 433-459.
LeFebvre, L. E., Allen, M., Rasner, R. D., Garstad, S., Wilms, A., & Parrish, C. (2019). Ghosting in emerging adults’ romantic relationships: The digital dissolution disappearance strategy. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 39(2), 125-150.
Moran, D., & Disney, T. (2019). ‘It’sa horrible, horrible feeling’: Ghosting and the layered geographies of absent–presence in the prison visiting room. Social & Cultural Geography, 20(5), 692-709.