Ghosting, Orbiting And Zombieing: New Trends In The Digital World
The appearance of social networks is changing the way we relate to others, and with it New toxic behaviors are emerging, such as ghosting, orbiting and zombieing neologisms that designate different modes of rejection in the virtual environment.
With the use of technologies we increasingly feel more uncomfortable with interpersonal contact and these behaviors allow us to distance ourselves from emotional responsibility, thinking only of ourselves.
Thus, to break the bond with a person, sometimes we choose avoidance, breaking with a single click, with the same ease with which we watch a video or buy something on the Internet. These practices, increasingly common, They promote the beginning of seeing people as just another consumer object which we can get rid of at any time without regard.
The term ghosting comes from the English word “ghost” and refers to the absolute disappearance of the person with whom you maintain a relationship of any kind, mostly in the sentimental field, that is, whoever does it cuts off all communication and disappears like a ghost from the other’s life, avoiding confrontation and making the most absolute void, simply because they are no longer interested.
Sometimes such disappearance is done abruptly, blocking the other in every possible way so that they cannot contact you, and sometimes gradually.
The profile of the person who exercises this behavior corresponds to a type of evasive person, who does not manage their emotions adequately, with low self-esteem, little emotional responsibility and difficulty maintaining commitment to others. Those who suffer from it experience a great feeling of rejection and confusion that damages their self-esteem and they become more distrustful of their future relationships.
In her recent study, Christina Leckfor (2023) showed that the impact of ghosting on mental health is deeper than that of explicit rejection. The author stated that it is a “painful breakup strategy” in which those who carry it out are probably not very aware of the damage they cause to the other.
Orbiting characteristics
A kind of half-hearted ghosting is what defines the term orbiting, which comes from the English word “orbit.” In this behavior There is no longer an interaction, although the person does not completely disappear and continues to orbit each other’s social networks.
It is a way of being present, without being present, which makes it difficult for the person who receives it to turn the page, creating great confusion because the one who orbits maintains a very superficial relationship, ignoring any type of direct communication, but giving signals. through digital platforms.
And what is zombieing?
On the other hand, the term zombieing refers to the situations that arise when someone who ghosted suddenly returns through social networks Its purpose is to maintain his insatiable ego with new reinforcements. Those who opt for this type of behavior tend to be narcissistic, immature and lacking in empathy, who understand relationships as “throwaway” and who only respond to their own needs.
These practices promote a lack of emotional responsibility and selfishness, in which only one’s own well-being is taken care of, without giving the other even the opportunity to reply. Let’s opt for direct communication and respect for others to build healthier bonds with the people we meet through screens.
As victims of such behaviors, each of us is responsible for setting our boundaries and taking control of our lives. Let us definitively stay away from ghosts and zombies, let us free ourselves from the feeling of guilt and connect with ourselves, letting only those who deserve it enter our lives.
