Phantoms, zombies and ghosts are an inevitable part of dating life, extending beyond the spooky season of Halloween. In the realm of modern dating, not only is ghosting a prevalent phenomenon for almost half of single individuals, but newer trends such as zombie-ing, haunting, and phantom-flirting are also on the rise.
A recent study commissioned by Tango Cherry shed light on these eerie dating practices. The research revealed that 60% of 18-24 year-olds have admitted to ‘ghosting’ someone, a practice defined by cutting off all communication abruptly and without explanation. For those who experience a change of heart after ghosting, ‘zombie-ing’ comes into play – re-entering someone’s life without apology or clarification.
In addition to these unsettling behaviours, there are individuals who opt for ‘haunting,’ where they discreetly monitor a former flame’s social media activity without making direct contact. Moreover, ‘phantom-flirts’ add to the dating nightmare by sending vague signals of interest that ultimately lead nowhere.
The survey of 2,000 British adults also highlighted that almost half (43%) have encountered being ghosted, with women slightly more likely to experience this than men. Interestingly, while 65% find ghosting unacceptable in most scenarios, nearly half (46%) consider it an appropriate way to penalise infidelity.
Daters in different regions exhibit varying tendencies towards ghosting, with Sunderland residents being the most likely to ghost (70%), while York has the lowest rate of modern ghosts at 22%. The study also revealed that young adults aged 18-24 commonly use reasons like loss of interest or ‘vibe mismatch’ to justify ghosting, with some believing that remaining out of contact for at least 10 days is necessary to officially ghost someone.
Interestingly, while nearly half of young adults have experienced being ‘zombied’ themselves and falling victim to phantom-flirts, the survey indicated that the majority would choose to avoid rekindling a relationship with a past ‘Zombie.’ However, 36% of men and 23% of women expressed openness to giving a previously ghosted relationship another chance, demonstrating the importance of honesty in dating dynamics.
Tango Cherry, a brand that reappeared on the market after disappearing six years ago without warning, emphasizes the need to navigate these spooky dating practices with caution. The brand’s insights into the nation’s dating landscape serve as a reminder of the challenges and complexities present in modern romantic relationships.