Exploring individuals’ descriptive and injunctive norms of ghosting

Abstract

In this project, we explored descriptive and injunctive norms of ghosting and whether norms differed based on prior experiences with ghosting in romantic relationships. Ghosting is the act of unilaterally ceasing communication with a partner to dissolve a relationship. Perceived norms contribute to intentions and behaviors, but scholars have not previously investigated individuals’ perceived norms of ghosting (i.e., how common they think it is, how they think others react to ghosting). Adults (N = 863) on Prolific, residing in the United States, completed an online survey assessing their knowledge of, experience with, and perceived norms about ghosting in romantic relationships. A portion of these analyses were pre-registered on Open Science Framework. Descriptive norms regarding adults in general (i.e., societal-level) and their friends (i.e., personal-level) differed based on participants’ prior experience with ghosting in romantic relationships. Some injunctive norms at both the societal- and personal-levels also differed based on prior experience with ghosting in romantic relationships. Participants with prior ghosting experience thought ghosting of romantic partners was more common than those with no prior experience. Regardless of prior ghosting experience, participants tended to believe that individuals felt embarrassed/inadequate after being ghosted by a romantic partner. These analyses provide understanding about descriptive and injunctive norms regarding ghosting in romantic relationships and may be helpful to dating app developers in how they frame messaging about ghosting.

Unwanted and unfollowed: Defining ghosting and the role of social media unfollowing

“…Our findings may also be useful to therapists and individuals who have experienced ghosting. Knowing that ghosting is so common and that most people have experienced it may help those coping with the feelings of embarrassment, rejection, and ostracism associated with this strategy (Pancani et al, 2022; Powell et al, 2022). Moreover, our findings may help individuals better identify when they are the recipient of ghosting.…”

“…Often ghosting also involves actively avoiding a partner's communication attempts (Freedman et al, 2019). Being the recipient of ghosting can lead to negative feelings about the self and others (e.g., decreased self‐esteem and trust in others; Powell et al, 2022; Timmermans et al, 2021). Recently, Pancani et al (2022) found that ghosting leads to worse outcomes (e.g., feelings of exclusion) than rejection alone.…”