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A study published in Deviant Behavior by Alexandra Cobzeanu and Cornelia Măirean (2025) investigates the behavioral and psychological correlates of ghosting and breadcrumbing among young adults in Romania. The research employed a cross-sectional survey design, analyzing data from 578 participants aged 18–27, with 72% identifying as women. The study utilized standardized psychological assessments to measure variables such as moral disengagement (the tendency to rationalize unethical behavior to avoid guilt), toxic online disinhibition (reduced self-restraint in digital interactions), psychological distress, and rejection sensitivity.
Key findings reveal a strong correlation between experiencing ghosting and subsequent engagement in ghosting behavior. Participants who reported being ghosted were significantly more likely to engage in ghosting themselves, while those who had been breadcrumbed (sent inconsistent signals of interest without commitment) were more prone to breadcrumb others. The study posits that this pattern aligns with the Cycle of Violence theory, suggesting a feedback loop where victims of antisocial behaviors may later perpetuate them. Psychological mechanisms underpinning these behaviors include moral disengagement, which was strongly associated with both ghosting and breadcrumbing, and toxic disinhibition, which was particularly linked to breadcrumbing. Psychological distress also showed a moderate correlation with both behaviors, though rejection sensitivity had only a weak association.
The research highlights the role of online communication dynamics in fostering antisocial behaviors, particularly in the context of modern dating, where platforms enable abrupt disengagement (ghosting) or manipulative engagement (breadcrumbing). The authors note that younger participants (aged 18–20) reported higher rates of breadcrumbing, potentially reflecting developmental differences in emotional regulation or online interaction patterns. However, the study acknowledges limitations, including the narrow age range of participants and potential cultural biases stemming from the Romanian sample, which may limit generalizability to other populations. The findings underscore the need for interventions targeting emotional regulation, healthy communication skills, and reducing stigma around seeking help for individuals engaging in or affected by these behaviors. The paper, titled “Online Fairytales: Breadcrumbing and Ghosting Behavior Among Young Adults,” contributes to ongoing discourse on the psychological and social consequences of digital communication in romantic contexts.
Young adults who experience ghosting are more likely to ghost others
Young adults who experience ghosting are more likely to ghost others
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