Ghosting - the new Networking Norm?

Holy Guacamole! We have SO much information coming at us, don't we? Connectivity has never been more accessible ... but I am finding something that concerns me with those I coach: ghosting. I talk to leaders who reach out for networking and hear ... nothing. Crickets. Not even a -- hey, I got this, but I can't do anything this week. They just hear ... nothing. My question is - what's the impact of that? Should we bring back basic decorum? Have we lost civility? Are we too overwhelmed to even write, "got this, will get back to you." Or, is it ok to ignore others?

I think our retreat into our turtle shell is not merely a social faux pas; it reflects deeper societal issues that concern me.

Hey. I get it. We live in a world where notifications bombard us from every direction. As our attention is fragmented, our relationships suffer. The truth is, amidst this noise, the art of connection is lost. Ghosting emerges as a symptom of our collective overwhelm—a reaction to a reality where every message competes for our limited attention.

According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 80% of adults report feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information they encounter daily.

The Cost of Disconnection

The impact of ghosting extends beyond the moment of silence. It fosters a sense of invisibility that weighs heavily on the human spirit. Studies reveal that loneliness has reached epidemic proportions, with the National Institute on Aging indicating that one in three older adults report feelings of loneliness. This isolation is not limited to any age group; younger generations are also profoundly affected, with a Cigna study revealing that 61% of Americans feel lonely—a staggering figure that highlights a pervasive sense of disconnection.

This sense of invisibility can have dire consequences on mental health. Ghosting contributes to feelings of rejection, fueling the flames of anxiety and depression. The World Health Organization reports that depression affects more than 264 million people globally, while anxiety disorders impact over 300 million individuals. The cyclical nature of these feelings creates a breeding ground for mental health challenges, as the absence of acknowledgment can exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities.

A Call for Connection

In the face of overwhelm, we have granted ourselves permission to ignore others, often without consideration of the emotional consequences. Ghosting allows us to escape discomfort, yet it also deprives us of authentic connection—something our souls crave. The silence can leave individuals questioning their worth and the validity of their relationships.

As we navigate this landscape, let us remember that every interaction holds the potential for meaningful connection. A simple acknowledgment—"I see you, and I appreciate your reach out, but I am currently unavailable"—can be transformative.

By embracing vulnerability and showing compassion, we can do something important: acknowledge another's presence. Isn't that critical today? Ghosting is more than an act of silence; it’s a reflection of a deeper disconnection within our society. B y recognizing the emotional ramifications of this behavior and fostering a culture of acknowledgment, we can create a more compassionate and connected world. In a time when we are overwhelmed by information, let us prioritize human connection and remind ourselves that we are all deserving of recognition and respect.

Cheers,

Dr. Ryan Pride