Digital Extinction of the Relational Bond: A Systematic Review of Ghosting Under the Silent Relationship Dissolution Model
Year: 2026
Type: reference-entry
Abstract: Background/Objectives: Ghosting is an emerging phenomenon in technology-mediated relationships; the lack of theoretical cohesion surrounding it justifies systematizing the available evidence to propose an explanatory model for this form of relating. The primary objective of this systematic review was to propose an explanatory model to articulately understand the phenomenon of ghosting within the context of digital communication. Methods: The PRISMA statement was used to formulate the criteria for selecting the 21 articles analyzed, which were sourced from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The elements considered were: study period, area of study, document type, article language, keyword, publication stage, and open access. The only exclusion criterion was that, although the article included the keyword, it did not demonstrate psychological content related to ghosting. The included studies were evaluated by three reviewers, who worked independently using respective matrices in Microsoft Excel. To present and synthesize the results, a flow diagram of the selection process and a table of the articles included in the study were used. Results: The analysis identified four elements upon which the study was developed: (i) unilateral relationship dissolution and communication avoidance; (ii) communicative bond and digital relationship; (iii) relational exclusion and loss of belonging; and (iv) social isolation and psychological threat. The main limitation was that, although the term “ghosting” has been used since 2006, the number of related studies remains limited. Conclusions: Based on a review and systematization of the evidence, an explanatory model of the ghosting phenomenon within the context of digital communication was developed, termed the ‘silent relationship dissolution model’.
Source: Encyclopedia
Institutions: Universidad César Vallejo, Lindenwood University
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,207
OpenAlex ID: W7204956883