Research shows ghosters often experience guilt and shame

New research published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin suggests that individuals who engage in “ghosting”—the act of suddenly cutting off all communication without warning—often experience significant negative emotions.

A joint study conducted by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business and the University of Cambridge Judge Business School examined the phenomenon through three distinct methods: recalling real experiences, imagining scenarios, and observing live digital interactions. The findings indicate that many ghosters report being “haunted by feelings of guilt, shame, and remorse,” with some even exhibiting depressive symptoms.

The studies also revealed a disconnect between the two parties involved. Those who are ghosted tend to underestimate the emotional distress experienced by the person who initiated the silence. This underestimation was noted to be particularly pronounced when the ghosting was unintentional. While victims often face confusion and emotional ambiguity, the research suggests the perpetrators are not necessarily unaffected by their actions.