From Best Friends to Silent Ends: Exploring the Concepts of Ghosting in Non-Romantic Relationships

Ghosting is a popular term in mass media that has continued to baffle many with its ambiguity as dissolution strategy. Multiple studies the past have explored ghosting within romantic relationships, examining how this strategy impacted two parties involved: initiator (ghoster) and non-initiator (ghostee). However, it been stated can exist outside of relationships may also occur friendships or even if relationship questionably nonexistent. The objectives paper seek understand happens these non-romantic effects on initiators non-initiators, possible differences when compared relationships. Semi-structured interviews were conducted through video communication platforms thirty respondents ages 18-25 who experienced ghosted by friend. Through use descriptive phenomenological qualitative study, results revealed 1) occurs technology-mediated channels, 2) post-dissolution feelings regret, 3) non-initiators uncertainty, 4) friend more socially acceptable than partner, and, 5) frequent due lower levels commitment expectations. Other recurring themes, such common reasons behind for justifiable means dissolving relationship, found.