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Cited by 17Attachment and Relationship DynamicsDeath Anxiety and Social ExclusionImpact of Technology on Adolescents

What is (not) ghosting? A theoretical analysis via three key pillars

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Schokkenbroek, Janneke M., Telari, Alessia, Pancani, Luca, Riva, Paolo·2025·Computers in Human Behavior
DOI 10.1016/j.chb.2025.108637
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Abstract

Ghosting, unilaterally ceasing communication without providing any explanation, has emerged as a prevalent and perplexing form of relationship dissolution. Despite its increasing occurrence, existing definitions of ghosting remain inconclusive and occasionally contradictory. Theoretical frameworks such as relationship dissolution and social exclusion models are in some ways appropriate for understanding ghosting but fail to provide a fully comprehensive understanding. This theoretical analysis addresses the gaps by delineating the specificities and boundaries of ghosting through three key pillars. First (1), we examine the nature of the social connections and types of relationships in which ghosting occurs, as dissolution dynamics differ across romantic partnerships, friendships, or professional relationships. Second (2), we investigate technology's (potentially) pivotal role in ghosting, considering whether ghosting is as contemporary as the terminology suggests. Third, we explore the temporal elements of ghosting (3) discussing the suddenness and definitiveness of ghosting events. Based on this theoretical analysis, we propose the following renovated definition of ghosting: Ghosting is a form of ostracism predominantly enacted through digital technology that consists of a unilateral, sudden or gradual cease of communication without explanation to end a meaningful relationship definitively . Additionally, we discuss neighboring phenomena (e.g., orbiting, breadcrumbing) that are closely similar but distinguishable from ghosting. Lastly, we emphasize the subjectivity of ghosting experiences, highlighting perceptual gaps between ghosters and those being ghosted (‘ghostees’). With this contribution, we present a theoretical framework for studying ghosting and establish the groundwork for future research, facilitating a better comprehension of ghosting's definition within various relationship contexts. • Ghosting involves a sudden or gradual end to communication without explanation. • Current definitions of ghosting are inconclusive and sometimes contradictory. • Theoretical models fall short in fully capturing the complexity of ghosting. • We theoretically analyze ghosting by relationship type, technology, and timing. • A new definition emphasizes ghosting's relational, digital, and temporal context.

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  • In some cases, the scammer stops all contact without explanation, a tactic often described as ghosting.

    “In some cases, the scammer stops all contact without explanation, a tactic often described as ghosting (see Schokkenbroek et al., 2025; 9.2a).”

    From Love as Bait: A Scoping Review and Crime Script Analysis of Online Romance Scams (2026) · cites this paper as Schokkenbroek et al., 2025

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Authors
Schokkenbroek, J. M., Telari, A., Pancani, L., & Riva, P.
Affiliations
  • Ghent University (BE)
  • University of Milano-Bicocca (IT)
Corresponding author
Telari, Alessia
ORCID
Venue
Computers in Human Behavior
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2025-07
Volume
168
Pages
108637
ISSN
0747-5632 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.chb.2025.108637
OpenAlex
W4408252256
Cited by
17
References
60
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 7
FWCI
18.84
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Computers in Human Behavior (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Ghent University Academic Bibliography (Ghent University) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • BOA (University of Milano-Bicocca) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
  • Ministero dell'Istruzione dell'Università e della Ricerca
  • Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca (PRIN2022-2022X44WX4 \u2013 CUP [H53D23006000006)
  • Research Foundation Flanders (11K5421N, V440823N)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Death Anxiety and Social Exclusion
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
Keywords
ghosting, breakup, ostracism, social exclusion, digital communication, romantic relationships, friendship, professional relationships, relationship type

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