Ghosting (behavior)

Ghosting is a colloquial term for the practice of suddenly ending all communication and avoiding contact with another person without any apparent warning or explanation and ignoring any subsequent attempts to communicate. With increased digital communication, ghosting is often seen as an easy escape from confrontation or emotional discomfort, facilitated by the anonymity and convenience of online platforms.

The term originated in the early 2000s, typically referring to dating and romantic relationships. In the following decade, the use of the term increased, which has been attributed to the increasing popularity of social media and online dating apps. The term has also expanded to refer to similar practices among friends, family members, employers and businesses.

A person who 'ghosts' typically has little awareness of how it will make the other person feel. Ghosting is associated with negative mental health effects on the person on the receiving end and has been described by some mental health professionals as a passive-aggressive form of emotional abuse or cruelty.

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