Is Ghosting A Form Of Self-Care, Or Is It Just Rude?
Avoiding communication is not the flex you think it is.
So you’ve left them on read for the third time in a week. "It was just one date," you tell your friends, using unfamiliarity as vindication. Soon, message after message hits your phone, and you deflect them like a game of dodgeball. After a few days of playing the avoidance game, you finally hit the block button, hoping it’ll bring you peace.
Yup, you did it—you just ghosted someone.
Ghosting—or cutting someone off without explanation—has become a common scenario these days. With dating apps, DMs, and other online platforms being the number one way to meet singles, dating often comes with no strings attached, allowing people to come and go as they please. Forbes Health reports, “Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they ghosted someone they briefly talked to on a dating app but had never met in person.” In today’s digital age, connecting—and disconnecting—has never been easier. But when blocking someone is just a click away, it raises a bigger question: is ghosting acceptable, or simply disrespectful?
Why Ghosting Might Be Justified
Of course, nobody likes being ignored, but in some cases, it might be justified. Psychology Today reports the findings of a 2021 study conducted on college students. The study found that 45 percent of students admitted to ghosting someone as a way to distance themselves from a 'toxic,' 'unpleasant,' or 'unhealthy' situation.
But what defines a toxic or unhealthy situation? We asked our Kulture readers when they think it’s okay to ghost someone.
Justin, 22 (name changed for privacy), said he ghosted a partner whom he caught cheating. “I felt no reason to explain why I cut them off [because] they knew what they did.”
Situations like being cheated on or having your boundaries consistently crossed seem like valid reasons for ghosting someone.
The Downside of Ghosting
But what about those situations where everyone appears to be on the same page? This is where ghosting leaves people wondering: “Did I do something wrong?” In these cases, silence hits harder than rejection.
Let's be real: avoiding communication is just taking the easy way out. It shows you’re scared to confront your feelings head-on.
If you feel this way, however, you’re not alone. In the same study, some students reported that they ghosted someone due to their inability to communicate openly and honestly.
So does that justify ghosting? Not really. Even though ghosting is convenient, walking away without any contact can be impactful. It can make a person feel anxious, disposable, and even betrayed.
To avoid making someone crash out, having a direct and honest conversation is more appropriate.
At the end of the day, you have every right to leave situations that no longer serve you (and so does the person you’re involved with), but you should always evaluate the circumstances first before leaving someone guessing where they went wrong. Being open and honest is key to ending relationships on a positive note.
Communication Is Key
So, stay away from that block button and be real! The emotional consequences of ghosting can linger long after the notification disappears. By choosing to communicate, you create understanding and respect, allowing everyone to move forward with clarity.