Someone That I Used to Know: Ghosting as a Dissolution Strategy

Abstract

Any breakup can be emotionally painful and is frequently considered one of life’s most distressing psychological events (Knox, Zusman, & Nieves, 1998; Monroe, Rohde, Seeley, & Lewinsohn, 1999). For most adults the pursuit of a long-term committed romantic relationship is usual and most people typically experience at least one nonmarital breakup prior to marriage (Battaglia, Richard, Datteri, & Lord, 1998). Breakups commonly refer to the end of a relationship, whereas, relationship dissolution comprises a process (Rollie & Duck, 2006). Relationship dissolution refers to the process of transition from being a couple to singlehood, or breaking up. Contemporary mediated communication technologies have reconfigured how to dissolve relationships (Dutton, Helsper, Whitty, Buckwalter, & Lee, 2008). With the emergence of technology, breakup strategies have changed.

The story above highlights a 23-year-old male who found someone on an online dating site and initiated communication which evolved into a relationship. Approximately 30% of people in the United States indicated that they have used an online dating site or application (Anderson, Vogels, & Turner, 2020). Emergent technologies have changed the way in which people are finding, initiating, maintaining, and dissolving relationships. Through their interactions, he developed a strong connection, and without much effort or understanding she ended the relationship. He was unable to communicate with her and without any other connections through family, friends, or acquaintances, he had no ability to contact her. Emergent technologies allowed for a relationship to begin and also end. This story demonstrates the convenience and access of online dating applications and sites, while also underscoring the contemporary breakup strategy—ghosting.