From Ghosting To Breadcrumbing: Understanding The Psychological Patterns Of Today's Dating Scene

The digital world has not only impacted our lives materialistically but emotionally and mentally as well. The biggest example of the emotional intervention of technology is modern dating culture which gave rise to fancy terms such as ghosting, breadcrumbing and situationships. While humans were still struggling to understand complex human behaviour, these modern click-and-swipe relationship attitudes created emotional havoc. In a conversation with Sybil Shiddell, Relationship Manager Gleeden, India we tried to gain a deeper understanding of the psychology behind such detrimental dating practices. Keep reading to learn more about this changing attitude of GenZs towards relationships. 

Before diving into the psychology of modern dating behaviour, let’s try to understand the terms that are taking the internet by storm while keeping emotions at bay.

What Is Ghosting And Breadcrumbing?

Sybil Shiddell defined ghosting and breadcrumbing in the following terms: 

When someone abruptly and without cause stops communicating with a love partner, friend, or acquaintance, it's known as "ghosting." The other person is left wondering what went wrong as if the person disappears into thin air. The word itself evokes the idea of an apparition, of something that was once there but has since vanished. 

On the other hand, sending someone sporadically, noncommittal messages or subtle indications of interest with no intention of pursuing a relationship is known as "breadcrumbing." This conduct maintains the other person's hope by dragging them along and providing just enough attention to keep them interested but not enough to foster a deeper relationship.

How It Affects Mental And Emotional Health

This buzzing modern dating behaviour might seem too vague and childish but it has a profound impact on the victims.

Sybil Shiddell highlights that the victims of either breadcrumbing or ghosting may suffer long-term emotional damage. Feelings of rejection, abandonment, and self-doubt are frequently brought on by these actions. 

Ghosting can lead to recurrent anxiety and in severe cases panic attacks too. Such individuals may seek validation and question their self-worth. Conversely, breadcrumbing can send the victim on an emotional rollercoaster, never quite knowing where they stand as they alternate between perplexity and hope. 

Further, Sybil Shiddell added that individuals who are subjected to ghosting or breadcrumbing may grow to feel powerless in their relationships (understanding toxic relationship) and that they have no control over them. This can eventually cause emotional disengagement or attachment problems by undermining one's sense of self-worth and confidence in potential romantic relationships.

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Why Do These Activities Happen So Often?

Now we know the impact of such behavioural patterns, let’s talk about the psychology underlying these actions. Sybil Shiddell highlights that the availability of opportunities in terms of potential mates in this digital age and social media is one of the major reasons for such weird behaviour and disposable connection culture. 

Sybil Shiddell mentions that when another match is always just a swipe away, some individuals find it harder to be kind to others or spend time having tough talks. These behaviours are also facilitated by the anonymity and ease of online contacts, which allow people to ghost or breadcrumb without worrying about repercussions right away.

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Sybil Shiddell concludes that our dating habits have been greatly impacted by our society of fast-paced, instant gratification. Many people expect their relationships to move forward fast and easily these days, and it's usually easier to give up or disconnect when things get confused or difficult.

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