Ghosting consists of stopping responding to messages and calls without warning or explanation.
The trend of using Anglicisms does not stop growing. Many times, social networks promote and popularize the use of terms from the English language that, on some occasions, can be translated accurately, although in other cases it is difficult to find an equivalence in our language.
This time, we are going to focus on the idea of ghosting . The term derives from ghost (that is, "ghost" ) and is usually used in the field of social relationships, especially when it comes to sentimental or romantic ties.
What is ghosting?
Ghosting involves cutting off any type of contact or communication with another person , without obvious justification and without prior notice . In this framework, the messages and attempts to reach out to the individual being ghosted are also ignored.
It can be indicated that ghosting represents something like becoming a ghost , since whoever wants to interrupt the relationship becomes "invisible." With ghosting, the subject is no longer available or locatable.
The key to ghosting is the lack of explanations or allegations . The person responsible for the action simply disappears or vanishes. Thus, it no longer returns messages, calls, etc.
It can be stated that ghosting is a cruel and selfish way to end a relationship.
Explanation of the phenomenon
Ghosting has been addressed from psychology and sociology . It is believed that the phenomenon is associated with the isolation and anonymity favored by social networks, where relationships have a large virtual component.
Breaking a face-to-face bond can be complex due to its emotional implications. Ghosting, on the other hand, facilitates trance, although it obviously reflects the lack of empathy , cruelty and selfishness of the person who carries it out.
Currently, social ties tend to be fragile (or liquid , according to the view of some thinkers). Therefore, ghosting does not burden the subject who performs it. In other words, he does not feel that his actions are wrong since it minimizes the weight or importance of the relationship.
Consequences of ghosting
Just as ghosting does not distress the person who carries it out, the disappearance of a partner or friend can cause a lot of suffering in the other person. It is painful not to understand why someone you love or have affection for suddenly disappears.
It is common for the victim of ghosting, at first, to try to obtain some explanation. In any case, as we already indicated, the phenomenon has to do with characteristics of modernity that, in one way or another, all people living in these times already know.
Other uses of the notion
Beyond this meaning, ghosting is also used in other contexts. It can refer to not answering a call or text message on WhatsApp , despite having become aware of that contact attempt.
Ghosting, then, is related to “leaving it unseen” or “clearing it” , as indicated in each region. The recipient of the message knows that they were written, but chooses not to respond . This ghosting is specific and concerns a particular situation, without necessarily implying the permanent interruption of the interaction.