In today's digital age, interpersonal relationships have evolved in ways never seen before. With the ubiquity of social media and dating apps, new behavioral trends are emerging that impact the way we relate to each other. In this article, we will explore three modern phenomena that have emerged in the digital world: ghosting, orbiting, and zombieing. These practices have transformed the dynamics of online relationships and raise questions about the psychological impact they can have on the people involved.
Ghosting: The Phantom Disappearance
Ghosting, literally translated as "disappearing like a ghost", is a common practice in the world of online dating and digital friendships. It consists of abruptly cutting off all communication with another person, without prior notice or explanation, leaving the other party in uncertainty and confusion. This form of silent rejection can have a devastating impact on the self-esteem and emotional well-being of the person who is ghosted.
Why do people ghost?
The act of ghosting It can be motivated by a variety of reasons. Some people resort to this practice as a way to avoid uncomfortable confrontations or difficult situations. Others do it out of fear of commitment or simply lack of interest in maintaining the relationship. In many cases, ghosting is seen as a way to avoid the responsibility of having an honest conversation and confronting the other person's feelings.
Psychological effects of ghosting
The psychological effects ghosting can be deep and long-lasting. The person who is ghosted may experience feelings of rejection, abandonment, and loss of self-esteem. Lack of closure and uncertainty about what went wrong in the relationship can lead to anxiety and depression. Additionally, the emotional impact of ghosting can affect the person's ability to trust others in the future.
Orbiting: The Art of Staying at a Distance
Orbiting is another trend in digital relationships that has emerged as a result of the constant connectivity offered by social networks. This practice involves maintaining a certain distance from someone, but maintaining a constant presence in their online life. This can include liking social media posts, watching Instagram stories, or sending occasional messages, without involving any real commitment to the relationship.
What drives orbiting?
Orbiting can be fueled by the desire to keep open the possibility of future reconciliation or to keep the other in reserve as a secondary option. Some people also turn to orbiting as a way to maintain a superficial connection without becoming emotionally involved. However, this practice can generate confusion and ambiguity in the other person, since it is not clear what the intentions are behind staying in orbit.
Psychological effects of orbiting
Orbiting It can generate feelings of confusion, frustration and anxiety in the person being orbited. Lack of clarity about the other's intentions and the superficial nature of the relationship can lead to a feeling of emotional instability. The person at the center of the orbiting may feel used or manipulated, which can undermine their self-esteem and self-confidence.
Zombieing: Return of the Undead
Zombieing is the phenomenon in which someone who had suddenly disappeared from another person's life reappears out of nowhere, as if returning from the dead. This practice can be especially shocking for the person who had been ghosted, as they are faced with the reappearance of someone they had previously given up on. Zombieing generates a mix of emotions, ranging from surprise to confusion and anger.
Why do people zombie?
Zombieing can be the result of several factors , such as a need for attention, a lack of closure, or simply a regret for being gone. Some people resort to zombieing as a way to regain contact with someone without addressing the reasons behind their previous disappearance. For the person doing zombieing, it may be a way of trying to reestablish a connection or simply satisfy a momentary need, without considering the impact on the other person.
Psychological effects of zombieing
The experience of being zombied can be confusing and destabilizing for the person who has been ghosted. The sudden reappearance of someone who had previously disappeared can generate contradictory emotions and call into question the sincerity of the other person. This can result in a loss of trust in the relationship and in the person's ability to form meaningful emotional bonds in the future. Zombieing can trigger feelings of vulnerability and distrust in the person who is the target of this practice.
Conclusions
In a world increasingly dominated by technology and social networks, new trends in the field of digital relationships pose significant psychological challenges. Ghosting, orbiting and zombieing are phenomena that reflect the complexity of human interactions in the online world, and the impact they can have on the mental and emotional health of the people involved.
It is essential to be aware how these practices can affect those who experience them and work towards a culture of open, honest and respectful communication in our digital relationships. Empathy, clarity and sincerity are fundamental aspects of maintaining healthy and meaningful relationships in a digital environment that often tends towards superficiality and ambiguity.