Ghosting can have a significant emotional impact on the person who experiences it. This behavior often says more about the ghoster than it does about the person who is being ghosted.
Ghosting is generally considered to be an unkind and passive-aggressive way of ending communication or a relationship as it can leave the other party confused, hurt, and questioning what went wrong.
While there might be exceptional cases where safety concerns or extreme circumstances warrant cutting off contact abruptly, in most situations, it’s more respectful and considerate to communicate openly and honestly.
Ghosting behavior is often a result of communication issues, emotional immaturity, lack of empathy, fear of commitment, aversion to conflict, and/or avoidant behavior.
Why Do People Ghost?
People choose to ghost for a variety of reasons, though most of these reasons stem from a desire to avoid confrontation, discomfort, or difficult conversations.
On a basic level, someone might ghost because they:
- Lose interest in a relationship or connection
- Meet someone else
- Perceive the relationship as not being serious or significant
However, on a deeper level, ghosting usually comes from a fear of confrontation, commitment, and conflict.
Confrontational situations, including breaking up, rejecting someone, or addressing conflicts, can be uncomfortable. Ghosting provides an escape from these challenging conversations and offers a way to sidestep potential arguments or disagreements.
Here are detailed explanations of why people may choose to ghost:
1. Fear of Confrontation
Fear of confrontation is a significant psychological factor that often contributes to the choice of ghosting. Confrontation involves facing uncomfortable or difficult conversations, and for many people, these situations can trigger feelings of anxiety, stress, and unease.
Confrontation often requires some level of conflict resolution and communication skills.
Childhood experiences and past traumas can significantly influence an individual’s approach to conflict, communication, and confrontation. If someone grew up in an environment where conflict was consistently avoided or poorly managed, they might internalize the belief that any form of conflict or confrontation is bad and should be avoided.
Or, if someone experiences an abusive relationship, they might associate confrontation with danger or negative consequences and develop a strong aversion to any form of conflict.
Some individuals naturally cope with stress by avoiding situations that make them uncomfortable. Ghosting offers a way to quickly escape confrontation and bypass the discomfort associated with it.
2. Communication Issues
For some, communication issues can play a significant role in the choice to ghost.
Communication skills are essential for expressing emotions, setting boundaries, and navigating relationships effectively. When someone struggles with communication, they might resort to ghosting as a way to avoid the challenges associated with expressing themselves.
Communication issues can be rooted in a person’s upbringing and childhood experiences. When someone grows up in an environment where open expression of emotions was discouraged or met with negative responses, it can greatly influence their ability to communicate effectively in their adult relationships.
If expressing emotions was met with ridicule, punishment, or dismissal in the past, a person might fear that the same will happen in their current relationships.
Communication issues and the fear of confrontation are often intertwined and can reinforce each other.
If someone has a strong fear of confrontation, they might avoid difficult conversations altogether. This avoidance can result in poor communication habits, as they may opt for silence or evasive responses instead of addressing issues openly.
On the flip side, struggling with communication can heighten the fear of confrontation. When someone feels unsure about their ability to express themselves clearly and effectively, they might worry that confrontational conversations will lead to negative outcomes.
3. Emotional Immaturity
Emotional immaturity — a lack of emotional awareness, regulation, and understanding — can play a significant role in one’s choice to ghost.
When someone is emotionally immature, they might struggle to navigate complex emotions and handle relationships in a healthy and respectful manner.
They may struggle to process and understand their own emotions, making it difficult for them to communicate their feelings to others. Or, they may struggle to navigate disagreements or differences, and instead choose to avoid conflict through ghosting.
An emotionally immature person may also ghost someone to avoid taking responsibility for their actions or to get out of an uncomfortable situation.
Emotional immaturity can lead to a focus on short-term desires and discomfort avoidance, rather than considering the potential long-term effects of their actions.
4. Low Empathy
When someone has low empathy, they might struggle to truly grasp the emotional impact of their actions on others, making it easier for them to ghost without considering the hurt it can cause.
People with low empathy might have difficulty forming strong emotional connections with others, which can lead them to be less sensitive to the feelings of those they interact with.
Low empathy can also be associated with a more self-centered perspective, so some individuals might prioritize their own comfort over the feelings of others. They might struggle to see situations from another person’s point of view or to consider how their actions impact a person’s emotions.
Research has found that individuals who score high on callousness, which is a lack of empathy and disregard for the feelings of others, are more likely to endorse and use ghosting as a strategy to end a relationship.
5. Commitment Issues
Ghosting might be seen as an easier way to end interactions without having to confront their fears of commitment.
People with commitment issues might fear being vulnerable and opening themselves up to emotional intimacy. They might feel overwhelmed by the prospect of this intimacy and choose ghosting as a way to escape it.
Commitment issues can stem from a strong desire for independence and autonomy or from negative past experiences, such as heartbreak, abandonment, or childhood trauma.
Individuals with commitment issues might focus on short-term desires and gratification rather than considering the potential benefits of a long-term relationship. Commitment often comes with thoughts about the future, so ghosting can be a way to avoid these serious conversations and satisfy immediate comfort.
6. Mindset
A person’s mindset, or their mental attitude and approach to situations, can greatly influence how they handle relationships and communication challenges.
Research (e.g., Freedman et al., 2018) found that certain mindsets and attitudes toward relationships make certain individuals more likely to ghost than others.
A fixed mindset in the context of relationships refers to the belief that relationships are static and predetermined; these individuals believe a relationship is either meant to work out naturally or is destined to fail.
On the other hand, a growth mindset in relationships acknowledges that relationships require effort, communication, and continuous development and can evolve over time.
Freedman et al. (2018) found that participants with a fixed mindset were 63% more likely to endorse ghosting as an acceptable way to end a relationship, whereas people with a growth mindset were 38% less likely to think that ghosting is acceptable.
Additionally, if someone has an avoidance mindset or a fear-based mindset, they might prioritize avoiding discomfort or conflict over addressing issues directly. Ghosting can be seen as a way to protect oneself from these fears and avoid challenging conversations.
7. Self-Protection
In some cases, ghosting is a method of self-protection.
Self-protection, in this context, refers to the act of safeguarding one’s emotional well-being or sense of security, often by avoiding potentially uncomfortable or difficult conversations.
They may fear facing rejection, criticism, or negative reactions from the other person.
Ghosting can also be used in situations where there are valid concerns for personal safety, boundaries, or emotional well-being. In cases of abuse, whether emotional, psychological, or physical, ghosting can be a way for the victim to extricate themselves from the relationship without directly confronting the abuser.
Similarly, individuals who have experienced negative outcomes from previous relationship discussions might use ghosting as a strategy to prevent similar pain.
8. Attachment Style
Different attachment styles can impact how someone handles separation, closeness, and communication in relationships.
People with an avoidant attachment style tend to value independence and self-sufficiency. These individuals might struggle with emotional intimacy, and thus use ghosting to distance themselves without confronting emotional closeness.
People with a fearful-avoidant attachment style have mixed feelings about close relationships. They desire emotional intimacy but fear getting hurt, so ghosting might be used to protect themselves from potential pain.
According to Powell et al. (2021), “Ghosting is a relationship dissolution strategy that is a modern-day manifestation of avoidance-withdrawal.”
Those with an anxious attachment style often seek high levels of emotional closeness and validation. Ghosting can trigger their anxieties, as they might interpret it as rejection or abandonment, leading to heightened distress.
Lastly, those with a disorganized attachment style might struggle with confusion and inconsistency in relationships due to unresolved trauma or inconsistent caregiving. Ghosting might occur as a response to feelings of confusion or emotional turmoil.
How Does the Ghoster Feel After Ghosting?
How a person feels after ghosting can vary depending on their personality, the context of the relationship, their emotional state, and their reasons for ghosting.
In some cases, the person might feel a sense of relief after ghosting, especially if they were avoiding a difficult conversation or an uncomfortable situation.
Others may experience feelings of guilt or shame, especially if the person realizes that their actions might have hurt or confused the other person.
Many individuals, specifically those with narcissistic traits, probably do not feel much after ghosting. They may even experience a sense of pride or a perceived sense of control from ghosting someone. They might believe that by abruptly ending the connection, they’ve asserted their power over the situation.
However, after some time has passed, some ghosters might reflect on their decision and feel regret for not handling the situation more maturely or compassionately.
What to Say Instead of Ghosting Someone
Instead of ghosting someone, it’s important to approach the situation with empathy, honesty, and respect. Communicating openly can help both parties understand the reasons behind the decision and provide closure.
The best approach is to simply be honest. Explain your feelings, concerns, or reasons for wanting to end the communication while remaining kind and considerate in your delivery.
If there were positive aspects of the interaction, you can express gratitude for the time you spent together and the experiences you shared.
Make sure to recognize that the other person might have feelings, too, by acknowledging their emotions as a result of the ending of the interaction.
If boundary issues were a concern, communicate your need for space or distance and explain that you’re setting these boundaries for your well-being. If appropriate, offer closure by giving a brief explanation for your decision, as this can help the other person understand your point of view.
Here is a sample message:
“I wanted to have an open and honest conversation with you. Over the time we’ve spent talking, I’ve realized that I need to focus on some personal matters and take some time for myself. I want to be transparent about this decision rather than disappearing, as you deserve an explanation. I’ve appreciated our conversations and the connection we’ve had. I hope you understand, and I wish you all the best.”
What Does It Mean to Ghost Someone
To “ghost” someone means to abruptly cut off contact with them without warning or explanation.
Ghosting can involve various actions that essentially cut off all forms of communication, including ignoring phone calls, not responding to text messages, blocking social media, and avoiding in-person contact.
You may have gone on several dates with someone, and then you suddenly stop responding to their texts and calls, effectively ending the budding relationship without explanation.
Or, you might have been interacting online with another person for a while and then you intentionally begin to ignore their messages and discontinue communication.
When you ghost someone, you essentially disappear from their life without explanation or communication, becoming like a “ghost.”
FAQs
How Does Ghosting Affect Others?
Ghosting can have significant emotional, psychological, and relational effects on the person who is being ghosted.
Ghosting often leaves the person feeling confused about what happened and why the communication abruptly ended. They might replay past interactions, trying to make sense of the sudden silence.
Being ghosted can lead to feelings of hurt and rejection. The person might wonder if they did something wrong or if they were not valued by the ghoster.
This can also negatively affect one’s self-esteem and self-worth as they might question their desirability or worthiness of meaningful relationships.
Ghosting can also lead to anxiety, trust issues, doubt, and emotional baggage that can affect other aspects of a person’s life and future relationships.
Why Is It Easy to Ghost Someone?
Ghosting can sometimes feel like an easier option in certain situations because it enables you to avoid confrontation and any uncomfortable, anxiety-inducing conversations.
Ghosting provides an immediate way to end communication without having to explain oneself or deal with the immediate aftermath of a breakup.
It allows a person to avoid taking responsibility for their actions or the impact of their behavior on the other person.
Ghosting has been more normalized today as the ease of digital communication allows for quick disconnection without having to face the person directly.
When Can It Be Acceptable to Ghost Someone?
Ghosting is generally considered a hurtful and ineffective way of ending a relationship or communication; however, there can be situations where it might be more understandable or even acceptable.
A few situations where ghosting might be more understandable include:
– If someone is in an abusive or potentially dangerous situation.
– If the other person is exhibiting stalking behavior or harassment.
– If someone is in a relationship with someone who consistently manipulates, guilt-trips, or emotionally harms them.
– If the person repeatedly disrespects their boundaries and ignores their requests to be left alone.
Is Ghosting a Toxic Behavior?
Yes, ghosting is generally considered a form of toxic behavior in interpersonal relationships.
Ghosting shows a lack of consideration for the other person’s emotions and well-being. It can be hurtful and confusing and can make others feel disregarded, devalued, and hurt.
Healthy relationships are built on respect and consideration for one another. Ghosting breaks down this foundation by disregarding the need for open and honest communication.
Why Do I Ghost Someone When I Like Them?
Ghosting someone you like can be due to fear of vulnerability, past traumas, uncertainty about their feelings, or concerns about compatibility.
It’s a defense mechanism to avoid potential pain or rejection. Communication and self-awareness can help address these fears.
Sources
- Freedman, G., Powell, D. N., Le, B., & Williams, K. D. (2019). Ghosting and destiny: Implicit theories of relationships predict beliefs about ghosting. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 36(3), 905–924.
- Freedman, G., Powell, D. N., Le, B., & Williams, K. D. (2024). Emotional experiences of ghosting. The Journal of Social Psychology, 164(3), 367-386.
- Holmes, K. (2022). “Something Would’ve Been Better Than Nothing”: An Analysis of Young Adults’ Stories of Being Ghosted.
- 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
- Powell, D. N., Freedman, G., Williams, K. D., Le, B., & Green, H. (2021). A multi-study examination of attachment and implicit theories of relationships in ghosting experiences. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 38(7), 2225–2248.
- Timmermans, E., Hermans, A.-M., & Opree, S. J. (2021). Gone with the wind: Exploring mobile daters’ ghosting experiences. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 38(2), 783–801.
Julia Simkus edited this article.
