Ghosting: A Common but Unpopular Rejection Strategy

ABSTRACT Ghosting (i.e., unilaterally ending a relationship by cutting off all contact) is a poorly perceived but common relationship dissolution strategy used to end romantic, platonic, and other relationships. The experience of ghosting elicits a range of emotional consequences including hurt feelings and confusion in the person being ghosted and guilt and relief in the person engaging in ghosting. Ghosting occurs for a variety of reasons including believing that it is the most appropriate form of rejection within digital contexts, desire for ease, and safety concerns. Willingness to engage in ghosting is associated with individual differences such as attachment and implicit theories of relationships. We conclude with suggestions for future research that highlight methodological, as well as sample‐ and context‐based, recommendations to better understand the nuances of ghosting decisions and experiences as they unfold over time.