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 feel increasingly uncomfortable with interpersonal contact and These behaviors allow us to move away from affective responsibility thinking only of ourselves themselves.

Thus, to break the link with a person, sometimes avoidance is chosen, cutting with a single click, with the same ease with which we watch a video or buy something on the net. These practices, increasingly common, promote the beginning to see people as another object of consumption, which we can get rid of at any time without consideration.

• Related article: "New technologies and mental health: breaking barriers"

Ghosting features

The term ghosting comes from the English word "ghost" (ghost) and refers to the absolute disappearance of the person with whom a relationship is maintained

, of whatever type, mostly in the sentimental field, that is, whoever does it cuts all communication and he disappears like a ghost from the other's life, avoiding confrontation and making him the most absolute void, simply because he is no longer interested.

Sometimes such disappearance is done abruptly, blocking the other in all possible ways so that he 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 affective responsibility and difficulty in maintaining commitment to the other. Those who suffer from it experience a great feeling of rejection and confusion that hurts your self esteem and they become more suspicious of their future relationships.

In her recent study, Christina Leckfor (2023) showed that the imprint 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 ghosting is what defines the term orbiting, which comes from the English word "orbit" (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 in turn because the person who orbita maintains a very superficial relationship, ignoring any type of direct communication, but giving signals through the platforms digital.

• You may be interested in: "The 7 Main Types of Toxic Relationships"

And what is zombieing?

On the other hand, the term zombieing refers to the situations that occur when someone who did ghosting suddenly returns through social networks. His goal is to maintain his insatiable ego with new reinforcements. Those who opt for this type of behavior are usually narcissistic, immature and lacking in empathy, who understand "throwaway" relationships and who only respond to their own needs.

These practices promote a lack of affective responsibility and selfishness., in which only one looks after one's own well-being, without even giving the other the opportunity to reply. Let's opt for direct communication and respect for others to build healthier ties with the people we meet through the screens.

As victims of such behaviors, each of us is responsible for setting our limits and taking control of our lives. Let's definitely get away from ghosts and zombies, free ourselves from the feeling of guilt and connect with ourselves, letting only those who deserve it into our lives.