updatedCPT Final

GHOSTBUSTING: THE ATENEAN PERCEIVED NORMS AND BEHAVIOR OF
ONLINE GHOSTING AND ITS EMOTIONAL EFFECTS
A Qualitative Research
Presented to the Faculty of Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School
In partial fulfillment of the requirements in
APPLIED INQUIRIES, INVESTIGATION AND IMMERSION
Batilong, Ludin Mareeze L.

Montallana, Mae Valerie T.
Rama, Monica Andrea M.
Cunanan, Joshel Marie T.
Mondilla, Shenaiah S.
Acelar, Jianne Mari E.
Sy, Jennifer Shane C.
Grade 12 - Campion
Humanities and Social Sciences
March 2023
ATENEO de DAVAO UNIVERSITY
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Central Park Blvd., Davao City, Philippines
APPROVAL SHEET
In Partial Fulfillment of the requirements for the course subject Applied Inquiries,
Investigation, and Immersion under the Humanities and Social Sciences strand, this
study is entitled:
GHOSTBUSTING: UNDERSTANDING THE ATENEAN PERCEIVED NORMS AND

BEHAVIOR OF ONLINE GHOSTING AND ITS EMOTIONAL EFFECTS
Has been prepared and submitted by Jianne Mari E. Acelar, Ludin Mareeze L.
Batilong, Joshel Marie T. Cunanan, Shenaiah S. Mondilla, Mae Valerie T.
Montallana, Monica Andrea M. Rama, and Jennifer Shane C. Sy who are
recommended for the Culminating Performance Task
_________________________________________
Florence Nicole H. Labor, LPT
Applied Inquiries, Investigation, and Immersion Teacher
APPROVED in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the course subject

Applied Inquiries, Investigation, and Immersion under the Humanities and Social
Sciences strand by the Office of the HUMSS 12 Chairperson.
_________________________________________
Marjorie E. Belida
Chairperson – HUMSS 12
ACCEPTED in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Inquiries, Investigation,

and Immersion.
March 30, 2023 __________________________

Date Aujefel Amor Y. Lee
Assistant Director for Academics
Senior High School Unit
ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL UNIT
Central Park Blvd.,
Davao City, Philippines
Declaration of Originality
We declare that this research is original to the best of our knowledge. We declare
further that this activity was undertaken by us.
Batilong, Ludin Mareeze L.
Montallana, Mae Valerie T.
Rama, Monica Andrea M.
Cunanan, Joshel Marie T.
Mondilla, Shenaiah S.
Acelar, Jianne Mari E.
Sy, Jennifer Shane C.
Researchers
Date of Deliberation
March 13, 2023
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The researchers acknowledge with sincere appreciation and gratitude to all the
assistance and encouragement afforded them by the following persons without which
this humble work would not have found recognition and fulfillment and whom God used
to show His divine order for the success of this study:
To Ma’am Florence Labor, their thesis adviser, who despite her busy schedule
rendered her time, patience, and consideration to the researchers. The researchers
would like to thank her for unselfishly sharing her thoughts, insights, expertise and her
sympathetic guidance on this work.
To Mrs. Lee, the Assistant Director for Academics, for allowing the researchers to
conduct the study.
To the research teachers, for lending us the time to administer the tests to their
students and for treating the researchers nicely and welcoming them to their school.
To the families of the researchers namely: the Acelar, Batilong, Cunanan,
Mondilla, Montallana, and Sy, for their moral and financial support, inspiration, and
encouragement.
Warmest and heartfelt thanks to the researchers who shared their moments even
in pressured days for the completion of this study.
To those who were not mentioned but in some ways helped the researchers,
thank you very much.
Eternal gratitude and adoration to the Lord, the source of blessings and wisdom,
for giving them the courage, the strength and perseverance, and for His heavenly
guidance in the accomplishment of this work. To Him be the glory, honor and power
forever.
The Researcher
DEDICATION
This study is dedicated to the following:
Family Members
Friends
Classmates
(HUMSS, Grade 12 Campion)
And
The Almighty Father
“Boo!”
ABSTRACT
The use of social media and technology has given rise to ghosting, which is a
phenomenon where one suddenly terminated communication with their partner in a
relationship. The study explored the perceived norms and behaviors of online ghosting
and its emotional effects within the Ateneo de Davao Senior High School community
located in Talomo, Davao City, Philippines. Using semi-structured interviews and
thematic analysis, the qualitative phenomenological study collected data from 5 ghosters
and ghostees. The data was collected over the span of two months. While previous
studies have focused on the experiences of the person being ghosted, little attention has
been given to the perspective of the ghoster, particularly among 15-19-year-olds. The
results indicated that ghosting is regarded as a harsh and abrupt way to end a
relationship and is often triggered by ignorance and casual flings. Ghostees are left
feeling confused and may experience low self-esteem, while ghosters may struggle with
social isolation and difficulty forming emotional connections. Furthermore, the study
identified several factors that lead to online ghosting, including boredom, differences in
personality, physical appearance, and the pandemic. The recommendations of the study
imply that it is essential to prioritize better communication and commitment in
relationships and avoid engaging in casual flings that can lead to ghosting. Ghostees
are encouraged to be emotionally and mentally independent, avoid expecting a
response after the ghosting phenomenon, and seek clinical help if they experience
internalizing symptoms to avoid mental health complications. Ghosters are encouraged
to cultivate a better communication attitude towards themselves and others around them,
creating an open and sincere environment for their potential partners to prevent the
detrimental inability to emotionally connect with people after cycles of ghosting.
Keywords: Ghostee, Ghoster, Qualitative Phenomenological, Semi-structured Interview,

Thematic Analysis, , Ateneo de Davao Senior High School Talomo, Davao City,
Philippines
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Title Page i
Approval Sheet ii
Declaration of Originality iii
Acknowledgement Page iv
Dedication v
Abstract vi
Table of Contents vii
CHAPTER
1 INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study 1
Theoretical Framework 4
Conceptual Framework 7
Statement of the Problem 7
Significance of the Study 7
Scope and Limitations 8
Definition of Terms 9
2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Definition and History of Ghosting 11
Factors of Ghosting 15
Emotional Effects of Ghosting 20
Synthesis of Reviewed Literature 23
3 METHODOLOGY
Research Design 25
Locale of the Study 25
Unit of Analysis 26
Sampling Procedure 26
Research Instrument 26
Data Collection Procedure 27
Data Analysis 28
Ethical Considerations 29
4 DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
The Ateneans' Perceived Norms and Behaviors of Ghosting 31
Perceived Effects of Ghosting on an Atenean's Emotional Health 34
The Factors that Trigger the Increase of Online Ghosting Cases 38
5 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND IMPLICATIONS
Summary of Findings 44
Implications 47
REFERENCES 51
APPENDICES
A. Permission Letter to the Assistant Director of Academics 57
B. Informed Consent 58
C. Interview Guide 60
D. Curriculum Vitae 63
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Chapter 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
In this chapter, the researchers presented significant related works of literature
to provide an in-depth explanation and understanding of the study. The main topics are
the definition and history of online ghosting, factors of ghosting, and the emotional
effects of online ghosting. This chapter plays a vital role in the study as it establishes
credibility and bridges the gap between this study between existing literature. This
chapter highlighted the issue of ghosting as a dynamic emotional offense. The rampant
ghosting cases in the Philippines are alarming as more teenagers explore different
types of romantic relationships, many of them experience various kinds of heartbreaks,
and one form of that is ghosting.
Definition and History of Ghosting
This section of the literature contains the definition and the history of ghosting.
The researchers will mention reports from different studies to present other points of
view. The Researchers will also tackle the history of ghosting to provide its origins, rise
in popularity, and similar historical cases.
The term "ghosting" describes the act of bringing a romantic relationship to an
end by disregarding someone's messages. It is the act of not responding and
disappearing through social media, entirely obliterating any space for confrontation by
forms of disappearing in social media to cut off any form of communication. Ghosting
has recently received increasing scholarly attention. It is defined as unilaterally breaking

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off contact with a partner and rejecting their attempts to reach out, often conducted via
one or more technical medium(s) (Freedman et al., 2019; LeFebvre et al., 2019). The
term "ghosting" is a colloquial term that first rose in popularity in 2015 when media
outlets New York Times, Vanity Fair, and TheCut described Hollywood actress Charlize
Theron and Sean Penn's gossip reports on her relationship dissolution. According to
(Staff, 2017), the actress ended their engagement by "ghosting," which the media
described as "the act of never returning calls, text messages, or e-mails." Since then,
the term has risen in use according to Google Trends and eventually adapted as part of
online terminology used in social media.
Although ghosting is a rising problem in the modern dating world, Researchers
can notice similar techniques in parts of history. Pre-modern day technology daters
used curly-corded phones to wait for calls from their ghosters, supposing the call came
while they were away (Samakow, 2017). According to an article by (Wright, 2013),
history has a lot of prominent figures documented to being ghosted. Victorian novelist
Edith Wharton, famous for her novels and short stories, met Morton Fullerton; they
reported being happy for a few months until Fullerton disappeared. Wharton wrote
letters "begging him" to answer the "silence." Timothy Dexter was America's first
millionaire in the 1700s. He hated his wife Elizabeth Dexter so much that he pretended,
wrote, and told everyone she had been a ghost, not responding to her in any way.
George Eliot married at 60 to 40-year-old John Cross, whom he abandoned on their
honeymoon in Venice, jumping from one window to another into the Grand Canal.
Ghosting before the surge of social media and online relationships was
undoubtedly apparent. It showed more insight into their thoughts about their
relationship, unlike today, as social media plays a massive part as many people's lives
depend on online presence.

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Other people perceived ghosting as a form of relationship dissolution as
technology-mediated communication arose (LeFebvre, 2017). Moreover, a study by
Powell et al. (2022) about individuals' descriptive and injunctive norms of ghosting
claimed that people see ghosting based on their past experiences of being ghosted.
The research shows how individuals who had only ghosted believed their friends felt
less guilty when ghosting, more relieving, and more supportive of others' ghosting than
those with no experience. This one implies that individuals who experienced ghosting
significantly differed in their person-level injunctive norms from individuals with no
previous experience with ghosting. The study also added that their participants'
perceived norms of ghosting might change over time. This one tells how ghosting can
evolve as time passes by.
Norms are social standards that define what is proper, acceptable, necessary, or
disallowed in various settings for members of society. They are a group of rules that
outline what is proper, authorized, necessary, or banned for various members in various
situations (The Psychology of Normative Cognition (Stanford Encyclopaedia of
Philosophy), 2020). They can influence engagement in behaviors (Powell, 2022) and are
central to social life as they help people select actions that benefit the community and
facilitate behavior prediction and coordination (Malle, 2021). Typically, they are evident
in prevalent behavioral patterns reinforced by social sanctions (The Psychology of
Normative Cognition (Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy), 2020). Humans recognize
norms as governing particular actions, settings, and responsibilities from an early age.
When a person accepts a norm, it serves as both a guideline for conduct and a standard
against which behavior is measured. This study will specifically focus on the perceived
norms an Atenean holds for themselves based on societal understandings to help
systematically assess and describe the factors that trigger them.

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There are different types of norms that are associated with a person's perceived norm.
Namely, subjective, descriptive, and personal or injunctive norms. Subjective norms are
views of whether or not people feel specific conduct should be performed because of its
significance to other people.(Niemiec et al., 2020). The perception of other people
guides a person’s willingness and beliefs to engage in a certain behavior (Fishbein &
Ajzen, 1975; Sun Park & Smith, 2007). A descriptive norm is the view of the frequency of
behavior in a population, and its prevalence will supply evidence of what is likely to be
successful and adaptive action (Niemiec et al., 2020). Furthermore, it depicts the views
of what actions are typically taken by others in specific scenarios and the population that
does not perform the action (Powell, 2022). Whilst injunctive norms differ from the
aforementioned because they refer to the norms to unique individual-level standards. It
indicates an individual's ideas of what behavior or action they should take in a particular
scenario based on their own morally suitable behavioral beliefs (Goldstein & Cialdini,
2007). Considering that this study will focus on an Atenean’s personal perceived norm
based on the premises that are governed by society, the study will focus on injunctive
and descriptive norms. It is especially relevant that we focus on the participants'
personal and societal beliefs to help with behavioral predictions.
This research correlates with the rise of ghosting cases worldwide because of the
freedom people gain from using the Internet amidst the real-life limitations of quarantine.
The same findings are observed in dating apps. As they encouraged users to quit
meeting in person and stick to online involvement during quarantining and social
separation, it became easier for people to ghost because of the lack of avenue for
physical confrontation because of the inability provided by the pandemic's health
restrictions. It makes people feel disheartened when they are on the receiving end.
However, people do it with little to no repercussions, at least in real-time. One does not
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have to see the person's pain when they ghost. It has somehow become common
practice and is socially acceptable. The development of advanced technology to dissolve
a relationship through ghosting has become the norm, especially during the pandemic.
Factors of Ghosting
In this section, the researchers discussed the factors why people ghost and the
factors why ghosting cases increase amidst the pandemic. The scope of this discussion
only tackles the dominant reasons and theories of other literature for ghosting. The
purpose of this section is to discuss the ideas that will help the readers understand the
study.
Romantic relationships do not always have happy endings. In the dating world,
couples break up and get hurt. There are various strategies for the breakup, one is open
confrontation, wherein couples confront each other and discuss the end of their
relationship (Gholipour B., 2019). Another strategy is ghosting, which is the problem of
this study. Ghosting is a complicated phenomenon that confuses and hurts the ghostee
(Pollard, 2020). Here are the factors for ghosting according to theories and experts:
Low Emotional Intelligence. Emotional intelligence (EI) theory is the ability to
identify, manage, and regulate feelings and others (Gordon, 2021). According to Bobik
C. & et al. (2010), as cited by Gordon E. (2021), it is found that couples who have each
other as emotionally intelligent have higher marital satisfaction; therefore, emotional
intelligence in relationships is crucial. It is explained that couples who have partnered
with low emotional intelligence have difficulties understanding how their actions affect
their partner (Lebow, 2021). Hence, individuals with low emotional intelligence tend to
be ghosted by their partners, as they cannot sympathize and respond well to their
partners (Cherry, 2022).

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The low mentioned factor can also be linked to the fear of hurting the ghostee.
Hannah Tishman, a licensed clinical social worker in New York City stated that “Common
reasons people ghost each other are not feeling a chemistry or connection and not being
able to communicate that due to fear of hurting the person’s feelings.” When the ghoster
sees that they don't vibe and compliment at all this will lead to ghosting since there is no
point to continue it in the future and would simply tag the relationship as “not meant to
be”. Thus this also implies that individuals who have stronger destiny beliefs are more
likely to ghost (Freedman et. al, 2018).
Low Self-esteem. According to WebMD (2020), low self-esteem is a struggle in a
person's mental state; it can be a lack of confidence, feeling unloved, and many more.
The theory of low self-esteem affects individuals and especially relationships (Incledon,
2018). According to research by Graham et al. (2006), as cited by Doheny (2016),
having low self-esteem can misinterpret your perception of your partner and your
relationship. In the study, the researchers asked participants to answer their
questionnaires about self-esteem. The results showed that those individuals with low
self-esteem were more expected to interpret their relationship in black-and-white terms:
all good or all bad. Therefore, individuals with low self-esteem are ghosted by their
partners because, according to research, relationship satisfaction is controlled by the
outcome of their partner's self-esteem (Erol & Orth, 2013, pp.26-35).
Attachment Issues. One of the reasons why online ghosting is so widespread is
due to attachment issues experienced by either or both partners; moreover, the
restricted means of contact intensifies the situation, leading to being ghosted. Insecurity
and uncertainty may grow due to a lack of communication and emotional and mental
disorders. According to Loveinheim and Moore, two main attachment types directly affect
a relationship. Avoidant attachment style is due to uncertainties, the fear of being
vulnerable to others, and lack of confidence and security to fully engage in the
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connection. This results in shallow relationships that cannot deepen due to the
boundaries imposed by the individual; this creates difficulty in online dating because
there is a need to have a connection, at least emotionally. After all, the only form of
intimacy is through communication over the internet. "it involves a tendency to form
insecure relationships out of a desire to remain independent." (Loveinheim, 2020).
Anxious Attachment Style. This part refers to the emotionally reliant conduct of
an individual. There is a continual need for reassurance for them to feel at rest since
they are always concerned to the point where it may be too much for the other party,
"insecure attachment style rooted in fear of abandonment and insecurity of being
underappreciated." (Moore, 2022). This is where the term 'clingy' comes into play; it can
be demanding, time-consuming, and mentally draining to reassure their intentions
continually; this eventually leads to ghosting because the individual becomes so tired of
texting and calling that they stop entirely. Because the only way to connect in an online
context is through verbal and written contact, the pair must be emotionally and mentally
stable for a healthy bond to grow. Exaggeration and lack of emotional availability are
essential in online dating and are underlying factors in ghosting cases. "Most people with
attachment anxiety use ineffective coping strategies that escalate their anxiety, such as
checking in on a partner frequently. This approach elevates attachment anxiety and
commonly leads to strained relationships." (Cuncic, 2021).
Dark Triad traits. This trait consists of narcissism, machiavellianism, and
psychopathy. The research study of Jonasan et al. (2021) 's research study linked dark
triad traits to the acceptability of ghosting in a relationship. Based on the result of their
research, people with high dark triad traits rated ghosting as acceptable in a short-term
relationship but not in a long-term one. They also emphasized that ghosting is an
appealing way of relationship termination to people with these traits as they tend to lack
empathy and are only motivated by the physical aspect of intimacy, which is sexual
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intercourse. Narcissistic people have great pride and will not take accountability for their
mistakes; that is why they engage in ghosting (i.e., avoidant conflict management).
The mentioned theory that emphasize how low physical attraction level can also
lead to ghosting supports the claim of Campaioli et.al (2022) that showed ghostee
believed that the reason why they are ghosted is because they are not enough (e.g.,
unattractive, disinteresting, inadequate). This implies how narcissistic people can easily
abandon their potential partner simply because they are physically unattractive for them
to be intimate with. Such individuals are also labeled as Ludus. Ludus is referred to as a
type of lover or individual that treats relationships as a game of seduction and fun
(OERservices, n.d.). According to Sternberg’s Triangle of Love: Three Components
(n.d.), this type of individual refrains from having a committed relationship and often has
several love interests at the same time; they can end a relationship easily and prefer to
keep the other guessing.
Types of Love. Sternberg’s Triangle of Love: Three Components (n.d.), discussed
various types of love in a relationship. However, only two types of love, Infatuation and
Fatuous Love are compatible in relation to achieving our research problem and
objectives. According to Sternberg’s theory (n.d.), Infatuation consists of an immediate
and extreme physical attraction to someone lasting only a matter of months or a year; in
other terms it is short lived; it tends to be based on chemical attraction. Moreover,
Fatuous Love is having an intense physical attraction push for commitment only at the
start of the relationship; this type of couple seldom have conversations seriously and
tend to focus on their intense physical attraction and yet the other is suggesting making
a serious commitment (OERservices, n.d.). Love decides the direction of a relationship.
It can deteriorate, stray, stay, and etc. It is the heart of every relationship, therefore, it is
a factor of ghosting.
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According to the research of Winking (2021), Covid -19 pandemic created a vast
impact on the world, especially in the world of dating; this is because of the
implementation of lockdowns, quarantine, and social distancing. The research
investigated how dating has changed since the government implemented protective
measures for the public. Moreover, they conducted statistics that show how individuals
dated during the pandemic. The results discussed one primary strategy that most
individuals use during the pandemic, and it is the use of mobile dating apps. Therefore,
the increase in mobile dating app users is the dominant reason ghosting cases
increased during the pandemic. As stated by Hermans & et al. (2020), the researcher's
qualitative findings suggested that dating apps contribute to the increase of ghosting as
it is used increasingly by the global population (Stoicescu, 2020).
In line with the pandemic, the theme boredom always enters the scene.
According to Grant Brenner (2022) boredom is not only a motivator for a mediocre
messaging, but also a hidden factor behind the decision to ghost. He emphasized the
concept of “mood of boredom” which he described as texts became boring if the
conversations were generally uninteresting and disengaged, vague, and generic.
To summarize, the factors for ghosting, according to theories and experts, are
(a) low emotional intelligence, (b) low self-esteem, (c) attachment issues, (d) anxious
attachment style, (e) dark triad traits, and ( f ) pandemic. These mentioned theories help
elaborate the research problem. The readers need to take note of these theories as they
relate to the discussions of the study and influence the study's results. The dominant
factor in the increasing number of ghosting cases is mobile dating apps. Since during the
quarantine phase, people are not allowed to go outside. Hence, people resorted to
exploring the internet and using mobile dating apps to relieve boredom. Although
ghosting has many factors, it also has tremendous consequences, such as the emotional
impact of ghosting. Therefore, the researchers explained this topic in the next section.
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Emotional Effects of Ghosting
This section presented the emotional effects of ghosting on ghostees. Many case
studies have investigated the emotional impact of online dating and online ghosting in
adolescent (online) relationships. Online ghosting is a new subject of research that
presents promising cases of psychological issues for teenagers who engage in online
relationships on dating sites. These teenagers are vulnerable and often fall victim to
ghosting and its emotional effects. Timmermans et al. (2020) showed that being a victim
of Ghosting is associated with negative sadness, hurt, and other negative mental health
feelings. Moreover, people who fear missing out or have been a victim of Ghosting may
experience increased pressure to redefine or reclaim their social standing in the eyes of
others. Nevertheless, increasing pressure on others might also increase negative social
experiences for those who do not like to be put under pressure.
Pancani et al. (2021) explored the emotional/psychological implications of
ghosting and orbiting victims in their current study. The study primarily investigated the
usual Emotional/psychological effects of social exclusion (i.e., unpleasant feelings, basic
needs threat, construals of the event, and hostility) that ghosting and orbiting victims
experienced. To do so, they contrasted these breakup methods to an explicit relationship
dissolution approach (from here on, rejection) in which disengages declare their choice
to split up and provide reasons for doing so. As a result of explaining their previous
relationship, ghostees may have expanded their emotional distance, overcoming the
negative repercussions of the split (Denson et al., 2012; Richards et al., 2003).
There are several psychological responses that victims of ghosting exhibit.
Concerning this, an article by Pancani et al. (2022) lists two theoretical models in
response to rejection and exclusion that also plays a part in the psychological
consequences of ghosting and being ghosted. The two models are the Temporal
Need-Threat Model and the Multi-Motive Model. Proposed by Williams (2009), The
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Temporal Need-Threat Model suggests that an exclusionary situation or event may
prompt three stages: reflexive, reflective, and resignation stages. The intuitive step is
when the individual or the victim senses rejection or avoidance and evokes strong
negative emotions and feelings such as anger or sadness. In this stage, the victim may
also avoid communicating with other people and develop low self-esteem. In the second
stage — the reflective stage — the victim will try to use several coping mechanisms to
compensate for their lacking needs. The final phase of this response model is the
resignation stage, in which the victim becomes resigned and surrenders any attempt to
make up for their lacking needs.
The Multi-Motive Model proposed by Smart Richman and Leary (2009)
corresponds with The Temporal Need-Threat Model, in which a victim experiences an
immediate negative response to rejection and exclusion. This model of response
primarily focuses on the different and varying emotional and psychological reactions of a
victim to such an exclusionary event, such as ghosting, and the evaluation of the event
by the victim. Many factors play in this model, such as the time or chronicity of the
exclusionary event, the rationality or fairness of the event, and the likelihood of the
relationship being salvaged. These factors influence how the individual or victim reacts
and responds to their present predicaments, such as a decrease or lack of self-discipline
or self-regulation and an increase in aggressive or destructive behaviors.
An analysis from a paper from the perspective of psychological science made in
2012 analyzes the flaws of the factors and aspects of online dating. It claims that having
too many potential partners may lead to potential relationships becoming objectified.
Furthermore, how the image of a relationship with an individual can be twisted into
something not severe due to having access to various selections is cause for concern
because chronically online relationships may lead to an individual developing a habit of
simply leaving-Ghosting- their romantic partners due to minor inconveniences and

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quickly finding a replacement, which leads to another emotional effect of Ghosting; the
inability to maintain and commit to a serious relationship due to having easy access to
other potential partners. "The ready access to a large pool of potential partners can elicit
an evaluative, assessment-oriented mindset that leads online daters to objectify potential
partners and might even undermine their willingness to commit to one of them." (Finkel,
E. J. et al, 2012). This inability to emotionally connect with other people romantically may
constitute an issue for an individual because of how they will handle future relationships.
This detachment problem leads to superficial relationships and can harm an individual as
it could lead to isolation. This brings us to the final issue of ghosting in online
relationships: victims of ghosting may turn ghostees into ghosters; after all, the abused
become the abusers, which in this case has a higher risk of happening since there is a
lack of emotional support systems to an isolated individual, therefor coping with
heartbreak can be difficult and may cause emotional complications.
With all of the evidence cited, it is undeniable that ghosting has negative
emotional consequences for the ghostee. Depending on the circumstances, it may inflict
psychological, severe, and even physical harm on the victim. Ghosting victims feel
similar suffering and heartbreak as traditional breakups in conventional relationships, if
not more, given the repercussions of lack of communication, closure, and emotional
support systems that can provide comfort for the victim. The adverse emotional effects of
ghosting a victim might present themselves in various destructive 'coping' behaviors that
can potentially endanger others. When a person's psychological health is compromised
to the extent that they are a threat to themselves and others, ghosting becomes an
issue.
Synthesis of the Reviewed Literature

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In summary, ghosting terminates a romantic connection by ignoring someone's
communications. It is not replying and vanishing on social media, completely obliterating
any room for conflict or confrontation through forms of disappearance on social media to
cut off any kind of connection. People define the norms of ghosting based on their
experience, and how they see it might change as time passes.
Individuals ghost their potential partners because of low emotional intelligence,
self-esteem, attachment issues, and anxious attachment style, and they have a high
rate of Dark Triad Traits that consists of Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and
Psychopathy. In line with these, the primary reason ghosting became rampant during
this pandemic is the increase of online dating app users such as Tinder, Bumble, Grindr,
and many more. Due to COVID-19 precautionary measures like social distancing,
lockdowns, and community quarantine, people shifted from traditional dating to online
dating, allowing people to cut off communication with the other party with convenience.
Online ghosting has a detrimental emotional impact on an individual. According
to the research, these factors range even before the ghosting occurs since there has
been a buildup of psychological issues that have led up to it. Emotional instability and
unavailability in one or both partners lead to illogical behaviors and eccentricities that
directly impact the relationship. No matter how shallow, the lack of communication in a
sudden separation may harm an individual's mental health, affecting their general
well-being. With all the research presented, it was evident that ghosting in online
relationships severely impacts an individual's mental and emotional health.
The idea of exploring individuals' descriptive and injunctive norms of ghosting by
Powell et al. (2022) served as a guide to the researchers along the way as they create
their study that targets to know the mentioned norms in an Ateneans' perspective that
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shedded light to understand their ghosting behavior. However, the study should have
asked how long it had been since their participants' most recent ghosting experience.
That question could strengthen their claim about how the ghosting experience impacts
how a person perceives the norms of ghosting. The study also should have asked
participants about their prior experience with online dating technologies (e.g., dating
apps and websites). This information could be connected with participants' norms, given
that the usage of dating technologies has been connected with the increase in online
ghosting cases. As a result of the mentioned limitations, the researchers conducted a
much more detailed interview where the participants' ghosting experience timeline and
the platform where the ghosting process occurred were highlighted.
While creating Chapter 2, the researchers noticed that most related pieces of
literature only focus on the emotional effects of ghosting on the ghostees. Hence there
needs to be more data about the effects of ghosting on the ghosters. In fixing these
cracks, this research aims to provide the emotional effects of ghosting on both sides to
provide a bigger picture of the issue. All respondents, ghostees, and ghosters were
given enough time to share their experiences and feelings during and after the ghosting
process. The questionnaires of ghostees and ghosters are different.

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Chapter 3
METHODOLOGY
Introduction
Chapter 3 Methodology will discuss the Research Design, Locale of the Study,
Unit of Analysis, Sampling Procedure, Research Instrument, Data Collection Procedure,
Data Analysis, and Ethical Considerations. These are the necessary methods to be
conducted to obtain necessary information for the progress of the study.
Research Design
The research approach of this study is Qualitative Approach. This approach
explores and explains concepts of actual life events and gathers in-depth insights into
individuals' perceived norms and experiences (Bhandari, 2020). This approach is the
most appropriate for this study because the research study explores and gathers
perceived norms and emotional effects, as well as discusses two phenomena of
ghosting.
The research design of this study is Phenomenology. Phenomenology research
design follows a research method that guided the researchers in understanding and
exploring how people go through inevitable events or experiences (Duquesne University,
n.d.). This research design is the most appropriate for this study because it focuses on
the individual's expertise in ghosting or being ghosted and how the issue affects their
emotional health. To successfully apply the chosen research design and approach, the
researchers selected specific AdDU SHS Grade 12 students through Quota-sampling.
Locale of the Study
The research was carried out at the Ateneo de Davao Senior High School on
McArthur Highway in Talomo, Davao City, Davao del Sur. The participants were
interviewed through video chat using Zoom or Google Classroom services. The
researchers selected the implementation location due to a data gap on teens' attitudes
15
toward ghosting and the Ateneans being a good representative in the said sector.
Furthermore, as a higher learning institution, AdDU-SHS is a melting pot of diverse
socioeconomic classes, cultures, gender, and sexual orientations, making it a suitable
study locale.
Unit of Analysis
The study participants are students from different strands of grade 12 in AdDU
SHS who are 17-19 years old. The participants are young adults that have experience in
romantic relationships. They are the chosen participants because they can decide the
direction of their romantic relationship, they are at the right age to experience romantic
relationships, they have a better perception of the concept of our research problem, and
they have better experiences of ghosting that helped achieve the purpose of this
research study. The participants are related to the locale of the study as they can be
easily approached in the area of AdDU SHS, and they are prevalent in the study area.
Sampling Procedure
This study aims to have ten respondents, and they were divided into two groups
depending on their ghosting experience, whether they are ghosters or ghostees. The
researchers chose to have this number of respondents by analyzing the population of
Grade 12 students of all strands studying in AdDU SHS and the time given by their
research adviser. The size of respondents is enough to cater to the data needed, as this
research used a Phenomenology design. Having 10 respondents it is easier for the
researchers to build close solid relationships with their participants, which in turn leads to
more natural conversations and better data (Crouch & Heather, 2006). The researchers
used Quota-sampling, a non-probability sampling method where the researchers chose
sample members possessing or indicating the target population's characteristics.
Research Instrument
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The study gathered credible, trustworthy, and varied data from participants from
various socioeconomic classes, cultures, genders, and sexual orientations. Participants'
subjective and personal experiences and perceived norms of being ghosted or ghosting
are highlighted using focus interviews. Researchers can elicit targeted information in this
manner. The interview was conducted in a semi-structured manner, wherein the
researchers follow a general line of questioning that fits common themes. At the same
time, the questions do not have to follow a particular phrasing or order. This ensures the
participants feel comfortable enough to express and explain their ghosting experiences.
Semi-structured interviews are frequently open-ended, allowing for freedom yet adhering
to a preset theme framework, providing structure. The interview guide is divided into
three parts. The first central questions intend to tackle an Atenean's definition of
ghosting and discuss their ghosting experience. The second discussed the emotional
effects of ghosting on an Atenean, wherein questions are directed in a subjective
direction that uses a person's personal experiences and interpretation of their emotions
and how it affects their emotional health. Lastly, the third part aims to expound on the
relation between occurrences that trigger ghosting in an online setup.
Data Collection Procedure
The researchers described the data collection procedures in this section, which
are presented in this research. The following are the steps in the data collection
procedure:
1st step: To conduct their research, the researchers will write a permission letter to the
school.
2nd step: After receiving approval from the school, the researchers will prepare their
interview guide and informed consent, which will be validated by their research teacher.
3rd step: conduct a google form that will ask the possible respondents whether they
experienced ghosting.
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4th step: The interview will be conducted through zoom or Google Classroom and
recorded.
5th: After the interview sessions, the researchers will also get supporting documents
from different researchers and will do cross-referencing.
With these steps, the researchers will be guided on what to do during the data
collection process. In making the process smooth and organized, a good data collection
procedure is vital to ensure the reliability and validity of the data ( Rueda et al. 2016).
Data Analysis
Thematic analysis is the best analytic approach for this study. Since the
research depends mainly on the respondents' subjective experiences with how
communication in their online relationship, or lack thereof, has led to Ghosting.
Respondents shared their experiences with the phenomenon of ghosting in an online
context. Themes were discovered by the researchers after they read over the data and
then looked for patterns in their interpretation.
As this is qualitative research, during the data collection procedure, common
factors and recurring themes and patterns were observed. Therefore the best analysis
method for this study would be Thematic analysis Method because It focuses on the
patterns and themes that emerge from the data gathered.
This method focused on codes, and assigns a code to each text that is
transcribed using the data that is gathered. These codes listed similar characteristics
and group the material into organized categories for further study. These codes served
as the themes' building blocks. As evident in Crosley’s paper in April 2021 “[It] makes
use of codes. A code is a label assigned to a piece of text, and the aim of using a code
is to identify and summarize important concepts within a set of data, such as an
interview transcript.” ( Crosley, 2021). The principles behind themes are essentially
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recurring patterns that appear in the collected data. Thematic data analysis makes it
simple to summarize and arrange data analysis since the data is classified into concepts.
The data analyzed under the Thematic Analysis approach. First, the data
collected, depending on whether the respondents are Ghosters or Ghostees, was
comprehensively reviewed. This familiarization process began with the initial notation of
significant information using either text or (transcription of) audio. Second, Coding is the
act of selecting specific sections of text—usually phrases or sentences—and giving them
short labels, or "codes," to explain what they are about.
Thirdly, the researchers built their themes on the codes after they have been
developed, either by detecting shared characteristics or by generalizing similar concepts.
Fourth, establishing and completing the topics; after the themes were developed, extra
research is done to further the definition. By finalizing the themes into clear and easy
labels, this step aided readers in understanding the interpreted data gathered. Finally,
now that the themes have been identified, more analysis was done by researchers in
order to demonstrate that the recurring patterns and themes are indeed important ideas
that led to the problem(Caulfield,2022).
Ethical Considerations
The Research participants will not be subject to harm in any way whatsoever,
and the data-gathering methods will be full of respect for the dignity of the participants.
Full consent will be obtained beforehand to ensure the privacy and protection of the
participants. There will be an adequate level of confidentiality of the research data, and
the anonymity of the individuals participating will be ensured as the top priority. There will
be no deception or exaggeration about the aims and objectives of the study. Any
affiliations in any form, source of funding as well as any possible conflicts of interests will
be declared before the surveys and interview. The participants will receive information or
any type of communication concerning the study with complete honesty and
19
transparency. They will avoid any kind of misleading information or any representation of
primary data findings in a biased manner.
Anonymity and confidentiality. This ensures the research participants'
complete anonymity to protect and respect their privacy. Any kind of identifiable data,
such as names or descriptions that may be used to identify a respondent, will not be
utilized in the study unless the respondent consents to this information being used. This
will be observed by informing the respondent beforehand as well as using code names
to ensure that their identity will be kept secret.
Principle of non-maleficence. The researchers are not obligated to do any
harm to the respondents. Any kind of harm, risk, or threat to the respondents' well-being
will not be tolerated nor used in conducting the research. Participants will be treated with
respect and utmost dignity when conducting the study.
The moral code of beneficence. This is to ensure that each participant's
response is used for the benefit of the participants and ensures the respect and
protection of the respondents' rights while conducting the research. The researchers are
obligated to have good character and attitudes while handling the research, especially
when interacting with the respondents before, during, and after interviews.
Intellectual property. The researchers are expected and obligated to respect the
participants' intellectual property rights. Any kind of work, copyright, trademark, or patent
that may be utilized in the research belongs to its rightful owners and will be given due
credit.
Voluntary participation. All participants who will be part of the research will
participate with their consent. No individual will be pressured, coerced, or forced into
participating in the research. Each participant will join of their own free will and have the
right to opt-out of the study without reason at any time. The researchers will inform the
participants about their rights and options before conducting any data-gathering method.
20
Informed consent. The researchers are obligated and required to inform each
participant of the study regarding their rights and options, as well as what they intend to
do with the information and data they will collect. This will be done through waivers or
consent forms that ensure utter transparency regarding the research contents.
CHAPTER 4
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION
This chapter presents and analyzes the data given by the ghosters and ghostees
from AdDU-SHS. The interview questions aim to know their ghosting experiences and
emotions during that process. This section is vital in creating the research as it will
strengthen the reliability and credibility of the study. To achieve the goal of this study, this
chapter is divided into three parts: (1) Ateneans' Perceived Norms And Behaviors of
Ghosting, (2) The Emotional Effects of Ghosting, and (3) The Factors That Trigger The
Increase of Online Ghosting.
THE ATENEANS' PERCEIVED NORMS AND BEHAVIORS OF GHOSTING
This is the first section of the study. The themes under this section are Theme (1)
Ignorance and Theme (2) Fling. Theme (1) Ignorance focuses on the characteristics of
the relationship. Theme (2) Fling emphasizes the relationship type and dynamic. These
themes showcase the ghosters and ghostees' shared or differing behaviors and
perspectives on ghosting and why it came to be.
Ignorance
This theme highlights the behavior of ignorance exhibited by the ghosters to their
ghostee. The respondents' stated similar opinions regarding the importance of
communication in a budding relationship and highlighted the lack of clarity and
misunderstandings between both parties of the relationship, as well as insensitivity or
blatant ignorance. If the conversation were ever 'lacking' based on the standard of one or
21
both parties, this would result in a lack of interest that would cause ignorance and
ghosting.
"…that conversation just lasted a day, and I ghosted him

because I am just not feeling it! I just lost my interest."
(Ghoster Respondent 3)
“They were getting annoying and no matter how many

times that I told that person off they would keep on
insisting. It kind of took a toll on my mental health.“
“...that they would possibly be thinking of ghosting you

because they could probably be bored with what you guys
have… "
(Ghostee Respondent 3)
“So at the time of this digital age, I would understand

ghosting as a way that people stop communicating with
each other which leads the other party, or the ghostee, to
confusion and always looking for that certain closure. “
“For me since I experience ghosting I will define ghosting

as an act where a person unprecedentedly ignores you.
For example, ghosting is like it leaves you with many
questions, especially the question why did he ghosted me
or something? So that’s my definition of ghosting. It's like
an unexpected ignorance.“
“I understand ghosting at this time is like when someone

does not respond to you mostly with your messages and
chats, it's like a process where you’re hanging in dead air
because they weren't able to communicate what they
needed and wanted out of you and their personal issues."
According to Finkel E.J. et al. (2012) that aside from the importance of the quality
of the communication, the availability of other potential partners, and the accessible
option to leave the connection, ghosting can happen. If the ghoster decides that the
conversation needs to be more interesting to continue, as observed in the data collected,
or the person they are seeing is not up to their standards or expectations, they would
immediately cease communications without further notice. A study by Freedman et al.

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(2022) states that the term "ghosting" describes bringing a romantic relationship to an
end by disregarding someone's messages. It is not responding and disappearing
through social media, entirely obliterating any space for confrontation by disappearing in
social media to cut off any form of communication. Thus it is evident that the lack of
responses in a relationship, due to the ignorance of messages, is perceived as a norm
and behavior by Ateneans 's ‘ghosting’ and presents itself as enough to end an online
relationship suddenly.
Fling
This theme highlights the type and dynamic of relationships often associated with
ghosting. The respondents' experiences with ghosting were mostly with acquaintances
they met online, or they may also know in real life, in which they pursued or were
pursued in a short period. Based on the data collected, depending on how close they
were or had any direct influences on how affected they would be if ghosted. However, it
is not exclusive to only recently acquainted couples, and ghosting may happen to
couples who already have a history; and are already close beforehand.
“So when the pandemic striked, people were bored,

especially the millennials, so they are trying to
communicate with other people, especially those they don't
know personally…”
“I don't know what to say next; for the people whom I'm
not very close with or for the people who I chatted and
entertained in a short period of time, I think that this is not
really serious. I even ghosted a close long time friend of
mine because I think it’s for the best..I think it’s my way of
running away from something because I’m not ready to talk
to them just yet. Also, I prioritized myself first in this case,
because I already observed toxicity in this situation.”
“I think the main reason for the ghosting would just be

because they’re just not ready for anything serious
because nowadays, people don’t really consider
relationships. They live for the thrill that ‘no-label’
relationships give, and if people start to notice that the
23
other party [is] starting to get serious and catch feelings,

they tend to run away.."
“I met this guy online, I wasn't even sure of his identity,

like I knew he was catfishing and I barely knew anything
about him, I just knew he was from Manila. We kind of
talked for a year, at first, it was a couple of months after
that we talked for a year on and off. So that was like my
main ghosted moment. Furthermore, I’m really not sure
because I really didn't know anything about him, he knew
how old I was so maybe that was it. Maybe he was just
pretentious or a creep. It was traumatic, I knew that I was
attracted to him but I didn't really know him a lot. So
maybe it was about infatuation or the thought of not
knowing him made me like him. “
The research study of Jonasan et al. (2021) 's research study linked dark triad
traits to the acceptability of ghosting in a relationship. Based on the result of their
research, people with high dark triad traits rated ghosting as acceptable in a short-term
relationship but not in a long-term one. Gordon (2021) states that emotional intelligence
theory is the ability to identify, manage, and regulate feelings and others. Those who
ghost often opt for short-lived flings instead of serious relationships, yet their victims may
not always catch on to their actions. Lovenheim (2020) states that online ghosting is so
widespread because of attachment issues experienced by either or both partners;
moreover, the restricted means of contact intensifies the situation, leading to being
ghosted. Time is crucial in an online relationship for establishing and cementing the
bond. The relationship must develop emotionally and maturely over time to avoid a short
fling and ghosting. Ghosters are less affected when ghosting someone they are only
acquainted with or with whom they have a less meaningful connection. Ghostees will be
less affected if they are less attached to the other party owing to the previously indicated
lack of growth in the connection. Therefore, ghosting typically happens in flings or
short-term relationships compared to severe or long-term relationships.
PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF GHOSTING ON AN ATENEAN'S EMOTIONAL HEALTH

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In this section, we discuss the perceived emotional effects of ghosting and being
ghosted and how these emotions manifested in the participants' life, overall affecting
their emotional health. This section will separately tackle the different emotional effects
of ghosters and ghostees, as there is a stark contrast between the two classifications.
Under the category of ghostees is the Theme (1) Internalizing Symptoms, and under the
category of ghosters is Theme (2) Social Isolation.
GHOSTEE
Internalizing Symptoms
This section shows the internalizing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and
social withdrawal within a ghostee after being ghosted. Most of them felt the feeling of
sadness, confusion, and cluelessness.
“Of course, I felt devastated, but as of now, I don't feel

anything- well I still do feel something but it isn’t as deep
as before since I kind of moved on now. “
“.....I feel Clueless, anxious, and uneasy”

“Then at the same time confused because the main goal

in communicating that person is to know him, check up
on him etc. Then confusion which made me ask myself a
lot of unanswered questions. So that's sad and
confusing.
The main Emotional Effects found in Ghostees are Internalizing Symptoms.
Ghostee Respondents 1 and 5 intensely report feelings of sadness that they describe as
devastated and uneasy. Ghostee Respondent 4 also describes feelings of confusion and
cluelessness as to why they have been ghosted; this confusion contributes significantly
to the interpretations in this section.
As distress is highest when the breakup occurs and lessens over time, it
indicates that the emotions experienced following a breakup tend to change over time
25
(Finkel et al., 2012). Initially, ghostees or participants who have been ghosted reported
the initial responses of feeling devastated and uneasy. According to a study published in
the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, ghostees were also found to be more
likely to express sadness and hurt feelings and to experience more of a threat to their
fundamental needs, such as control, self-esteem, belongingness, and meaningful
existence, compared to ghosters (Freedman et al., 2022). Afterward, Ghostees
experience confusion because of the sudden cut in communication that later on
translates into anxious emotions because of the constant frustration in anticipation of a
response from their ghoster. This affects the victim as these emotions manifest into
internalizing symptoms. Internalizing symptoms are emotional and behavioral issues that
are directed inward and can have an impact on a person's thoughts and feelings.
Negative self-perceptions, melancholy, pessimism, guilt, and concern distinguish them.
Depression, anxiety, and sadness are examples of internalizing symptoms in teenagers.
According to the study of Timmermans et al. (2020) that being a victim of Ghosting is
associated with negative sadness, hurt, and other negative mental health feelings. All
these symptoms show how ghosting damages the emotional health of ghostees and how
it affects their lives.
GHOSTER
Social Isolation
The Emotional Responses of Ghosters or initiators of ghosting have reported
experiencing social isolation due to the guilt of ghosting their ghostee. This soon leads to
overthinking, feeling wary, and empathetic.
“...I feel guilty somehow. As for the hesitation and

conflict, I really see myself as an overthinker.”
(Ghoster Respondent 2, On Guilt )
“ …the first emotion I felt was guilt. Even if that

person is close to me or not, I feel guilty about it. I
was also wondering what if I was the one being
26
ghosted. I feel hesitant and conflicted about

whether I should do it or not.”
(Ghoster Respondent 2 ,On Guilt )
“The reason 1 I feel guilty about it since I knew he

was a good person.”
“At first, I was kinda sad and guilty…“

“... That I am guilty, that I really pity him.”

(Ghoster Respondent 1, On pity)
“I felt relieved that I was able to get the burden off

my shoulders because they were getting to a point
where they were getting annoying already,
eventually I felt guilt and remorse.”
(Ghoster Respondent 5, On irritability)
Based on their responses, as time progresses, ghosters later feel intense
emotions of guilt, pity, and remorse, according to Ghoster Respondent 1. Towards the
end of the process, they experience and are reminded of the main reason and factors as
to why they initiated the ghosting process in the first place as they experience irritability
towards the ghostee’s attempts of communication, impatience in the retaliation attempts,
and in the end they do not respond to the ghostees.
The main emotional effect found in ghosters is social isolation. This can be
connected to the theory of Pancani et al. (2022), which investigated that ghosters
experienced emotional/psychological effects such as unpleasant feelings, basic needs,
threat, construals of the event, and hostility, which leads to social exclusion or social
isolation. Same goes with the ghosters who lean more on emotions like guilt and
empathy.
However, ghosters like ghoster respondent 5, still see ghosting as a more
convenient relationship dissolution which is why it further proves the literature (Finkel, E.
J. et al., 2012) that people who ghost cannot connect with people emotionally; that leads
27
to harmful inability to emotionally connect with people that at the end may lead to
superficial relationships that can lead to isolation. This is a worrying event as there is a
lack of support for people who suffer from isolation. Adolescent social isolation is
typically a harrowing emotional experience. To sum it up, ghosters are emotionally
affected by ghosting in a way that they also feel emotions that the ghostees have also
felt after they cut the communication with the ghostee. The only difference is that
ghosters feel guilt and empathy that eventually leads to social isolation.
THE FACTORS THAT TRIGGER THE INCREASE OF ONLINE GHOSTING CASES
This part of the paper discusses the results of the data about the factors that
trigger the rise of online ghosting cases, which are: (1) Boredom, (2) the Pandemic, (3)
Intrapersonal Differences, and (4) Physical Appearance. The themes showcase and
analyze the data of the ghosting experience of both the ghostees and the ghosters. The
researchers found that among the respondents, the pandemic played a vital role in their
ghosting experience. The ghostees’ answers circled the online communication set up by
the cause of the pandemic, and they pointed out its complications. The respondents
were bored and resorted to mobile dating. Thus, they experience long-distance
relationships and the easy process of ghosting because of online interaction causing
them to ghost their potential partner.
Boredom
In this discussion, the researchers found that boredom is why individuals ghost
and gradually disconnect from their potential partners. This has a great connection with
the Theme (2) Pandemic, which will be discussed below.
“I've done that because I am bored, so ghosting and

being ghosted really occurs because of doing nothing.”
“I get bored, I slowly detach through cold messages and

such.”
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“I ghost because number one, if I find the relationship

boring…”
“Factors of why there is ghosting are the huge dating

pool. The other party’s new love interest and boredom.”
Since the pandemic closed many entertainment buildings such as malls, resorts,
and hotels, it caused boredom, especially for those looking for love or potential partners
and using mobile dating apps as their medium. That is when the ghosting concept
enters the scene since most are active on dating apps during the pandemic. The
answers of ghosters showed how boredom could push someone to ghost their
chatmate. Their solutions are supported by the study of Grant Brenner (2022), who
claimed that boredom is a hidden factor of ghosting. He explained the concept called
“mood of boredom,” which he described as texts becoming boring if the conversations
were uninteresting, disengaged, vague, and very common.
Pandemic
In this part, both ghostees and ghosters agreed that the pandemic is another
reason they ghost and are being ghosted because they experience long-distance
relationships and the easy process of ghosting. Since the pandemic halted all means of
transportation to avoid the spreading of Coronavirus, people engaging in romantic
relationships cannot meet each other thus resorting to online interactions. The
experience resulted in a complicated online setup and having no real personal
attachment.
“For me, it’s long distance relationships because

even if you always do a video-call with them, there
isn’t any physical relationship; like you can’t hold
them and you can’t smell them.”
“Yes, mas lumalala sa pandemic, didto nako na

learn na mang ghost, syempre kay online na, you
29
meet other people online… (Yes, it worsened

during the pandemic, that was when I learned how
to ghost, because it was online…)”
“The emotional advantage would be online

relationship dissolution.“
“The emotional advantage would be not dealing with

the tension face-to-face.
“Yes, it worsened during the pandemic, that was

when I learned how to ghost, because it was online,
you meet other people online, and since you don’t
know their real personality and appearance so it
made it easier to ghost them, and continue on living
with no attachments.”
In a relationship, physical touch and intimacy are keys to a more robust
connection; however, a border has been created due to the pandemic. Some activities
can create a stronger bond in a relationship that you can do with your partner face to
face that you cannot do online or in long-distance relationships, such as kissing and
hugging. Thus, the two people cannot form an intimate bond that would keep up the fire
of their relationship resulting in ghosting, especially if the other person has narcissistic
traits. In the study of Jonasan et al. (2021), the Dark triad traits theory stated that if a
person has the characteristics of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, they
are most likely to ghost someone since they are only motivated to commit in a
relationship through physical intimacy.
It is also found that most of the ghosters answers find ghosting as an easy
process due to their online setup caused by the pandemic. It is found that when the
ghoster respondents interact online, they have no real personal attachment and not
having to deal with the tension of terminating their relationship face-to-face was better.
The findings counter the Attachment Issues theory of Moore (2022). The theory
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discussed that one of the reasons why online ghosting is so widespread is due to
attachment issues experienced by the ghostee or ghoster. Insecurity and emotional
attachment may grow due to a lack of communication and emotional and mental
disorders. However, the respondents have indications of not having attachment issues
after ghosting. They said there was no real personal attachment since they were just
talking online. Leading to a more straightforward process of ghosting.
Intrapersonal Differences
This part is exclusive for ghosters only, to know further the reasons why the
ghost. Under this theme are the following categories: indifferent values and perspectives
on different subject matters, different ‘vibes’, and pet peeves like toxic traits.
“Hindi lang talaga kami ka vibe, at LDR din. (So far

he's okay, his attitude is okay. We just don't really
have the same vibe.)”
“Of course, it’s toxicity for me. I want to prioritize

myself first kung alam ko naman na sobra na ang
isang tao. Why would you maintain a connection if
it’s too much? (Of course, it's toxicity for me. I want
to prioritize myself first if I know that one person is
too much. Why would you maintain a connection if
it's too much?)”
“I think I saw a lot of pet peeves such as being

childish. Pag wrong grammar na sentences sa mga
chats niya, tapos ano, he doesn’t realize na its wrong,
kasi paulit ulit din. (I think I saw a lot of pet peeves
such as being childish. When he construct sentences
with wrong grammar in his chats, then he doesn't
realize that it's wrong, because it's repeated again and
again.)”
“They have a different set of values like if the

person is very patriarchal because I'm a woman
and I feel as though he wants me under him and
the likes. Things like those really piss me off, this
makes the person unattractive. Another would be
when a person says a nasty comment about
another person, or overall just has this rude
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perspective or behavior towards something else.”

“I ghost because...third is if a person is really rude
or has a different set of values than mine, which I
can't stand.”
Based on their answers, ghosters abandoned their ghostees because of their
differences in vibes, personalities, and values. Your beliefs and values reflect your
personality and attitude. If the ghosters notice something wrong with the ghostee's
attitude and realize that things will never go in harmony if they contradict one another
might lead to ghosting. In answer to Ghoster 5, she emphasized that a sign not to
continue the connection with someone is if they treated other people negatively because
they cannot handle their emotions well. The ghoster's answer expressed how attitude
and emotional intelligence are vital to maintaining a relationship.
These data can be connected to the study of Bobik C. & et al. (2010), as cited by
Gordon E. (2021). According to their Emotional Intelligence (EI) theory, EI is vital in
maintaining a relationship because couples with great EI have higher marital
satisfaction. Their study is also supported by Lebow (2021), which explained that
couples who have partnered with low emotional intelligence have difficulties
understanding how their actions affect their partner. Lebow's claim coincides with
Kendra Cherry's written article entitled “What is emotional intelligence,” where she
emphasized that individuals with low emotional intelligence tend to be ghosted by their
partners, as they cannot respond well to their partners and other people.
Physical Appearance
This theme highlights the concept of attractiveness and physical traits as the
reason for ghosting. An individual's taste in physical appearance is a massive factor in
the early stage of dating because that is where the connection between the two different
32
people begins. The respondents' answers will show how ghosters end relationships
simply because they are not attracted to their chatmates.
“I don’t find them attractive.”

“...age, race, and your skin color are my factors

why I got ghosted.”
The respondents' answers showed how physical attraction determines a
relationship and how it impacts a relationship. This phenomenon coincides with the Dark
Triad Traits theory of Jonasan et al. (2021); the approach emphasizes low physical
attraction (i.e., unattractive, disinteresting, inadequate). Moreover, the respondents'
answers coincide with Sternberg's theory, Infatuation, a type of love wherein an
individual has an immediate and intense physical attraction to someone that only lasts in
a matter of months. The respondents' relationship experiences were short-lived since
their partners had a standard for physical appearance, and the respondents needed to fit
the standards, resulting in ghosting.

33
34
CHAPTER 5
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND IMPLICATIONS
This section aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the results obtained
from the analyzed data and offer insights and recommendations based on the findings.
The Summary of Findings will encapsulate the most significant ideas collected for each
research question. The Implications section will provide actionable recommendations
based on the data collected.This concluding chapter is of utmost importance to the
investigation as it elucidates the overall concepts uncovered through the interviews and
related literature regarding the “Perceived Norms,Behaviors, Factors, and Effects of
Ghosting on an Atenean Emotional Health”
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Online ghosting issues are not just for Facebook memes or the sake of clout. It is
a problem that needs to be addressed as it affects a massive number of people. This
study was created to understand the perceived norms and behaviors, factors, and
emotional effects of ghosting from a teenager's perspective. Ghostees' and ghosters'
angles of experience will be highlighted to avoid an imbalance in information and data.
The Ateneans' Perceived Norms and Behaviors of Ghosting
Atenean Ghosters and Ghostees have somewhat differing or opposing views on
the Ghosting phenomenon; nonetheless, they both consider and perceive 'Ghosting' as
an abrupt and harsh means of terminating an online relationship. According to the
respondents, ghosting is mainly caused by Ignorance and Flings, which manifests itself
through a lack of communication, lack of enthusiasm, lack of interest, and even gradual
or sudden absence of presence via online communication. This ignorant behavior is
often exhibited by ghosters, who often expressed that they ghosted their ghostees due
35
to feeling bored or uninterested in them. In turn, ghostees usually feel confused and
exhibit low self-esteem.
Additionally, the kind of interaction showed by the respondents that ghosting
incidents most usually occur in short-term online relationships involving two strangers or
acquainted individuals, as this reduces the emotional significance of one party to the
other and makes it relatively easy for one side of the relationship to develop detached or
ignorant behaviors or end the relationship. This short-term relationship called a 'fling,' is
where most ghosting cases happen. Often, ghosters choose to terminate the relationship
in flings due to having less emotional impact or significance. However, according to the
negative responses from the participants, it is also important to note that ghosting is also
seen in relationships wherein all parties have an extensive history together. This then
causes a more impactful and lasting impression on the ghostees as the relationship
comes to its sudden end, as evidenced by the respondents' statements regarding their
struggle with mental health caused by the event. The themes from the data analysis
revealed that the Ateneans' perspective of ghosting is that of an abrupt termination of an
online connection attributable to ignorant and disengaged behaviors and a short-term
relationship dynamic of, and not exclusively, acquainted individuals or strangers.
Perceived Effects of Ghosting on an Atenean's Emotional Health
Ghosters have a negative incapacity to connect emotionally with others. The
researchers found that the primary emotional effect found in ghosters is social isolation.
The researchers also investigated that ghosters experienced emotional/psychological
effects such as unpleasant feelings, basic needs, threats, construals of the event, and
hostility, which led to social exclusion or social isolation. Some ghosters still see
ghosting as a more convenient relationship dissolution; this just means that people who
ghost cannot connect with people emotionally, which leads to the harmful inability to
emotionally connect with people that, in the end, may lead to superficial relationships
36
that can lead to isolation.
Whereas ghostees are confused because of the sudden cut in communication
that later on translates into anxious emotions because of the constant frustration in
anticipation of a response from their ghoster and frustrated by the sudden break in
connection. Ghostees are more likely to feel despair, hurt, loss of control, self-esteem,
and a sense of belonging. They are leading to internalizing symptoms that are emotional
and behavioral issues that are directed inward and can impact a person's thoughts and
feelings. Negative self-perceptions, melancholy, pessimism, guilt, and concern
distinguish them. Depression, anxiety, and sadness are examples of internalizing
symptoms in teenagers. Being a victim of Ghosting is associated with sadness, hurt, and
other negative mental health feelings. All these symptoms show how ghosting damages
the emotional health of ghostees and how it affects their lives. Ghosters and ghostees
share the fact that they both feel emotions as a result of the ghosting process. Ghosters
experience empathy, guilt, and regret, whereas ghostees experience grief and anxiety.
The distinction between ghosters and ghostees is that ghosters are considered the
initiators of the ghosting process and perceive ghosting as less of a threat to their basic
requirements than ghostees.
The Factors that Trigger the Increase of Online Ghosting
The increase in online ghosting cases was triggered by these factors: boredom,
the pandemic, intrapersonal differences, and physical appearance. Findings show that
Atenean ghosters were bored during the lockdown seasons of the pandemic. The
ghosters’ boredom influenced them to explore and be engrossed in dating, however,
due to the distance and preventive measures of the pandemic, the respondents resorted
to conversing in an online communication setup. Factors are also found during the
ghosting process and not only in the beginning. In the middle of a ghoster’s ghosting
37
experience, they discovered intrapersonal differences between them and their ghostee.
The ghosters detected that they have different values, beliefs, and personalities against
their ghostee; they contradict each other. Thus, ghosters decide to terminate their
communication. Another factor found is physical appearance. The ghoster respondents
indicated that they have specific traits or standards that they are searching for in a
person, and when one does not fit to their expectations, they settle it down by ghosting.
In contrast, ghostee respondents explained that their physical appearance did not seem
to please or satisfy their ghoster, which is why they were left behind.
The factors that triggered the increase in online ghosting cases are found along
a simple process of a ghosting phenomenon. It is discovered, analyzed, and applied to
their roots of action in ghosting. It is their driving force to leave a relationship without any
explanation.
IMPLICATIONS OF THE STUDY
This section presents the implications of the gathered data and further actions
suggested by the researchers concerning the study. The following are based on our
research study's findings, which are beyond the results and how they will be significant
to society.
1. The study shows that the ghoster and ghostee respondents have distinct
experiences but are grounded in the same factors and effects. For the Ateneo de
Davao University Senior High School students, the study helps distinguish
different perspectives on ghosting, and better understand the concept of
ghosting, its effects, and factors. It will also help analyze their emotional
problems when they encounter the phenomenon of ghosting. Moreover, this
study raises awareness among students about the ghosting issue that affects the
emotional health of an individual and helps them practice commitment in
handling a relationship.
38
2. The sudden termination of communication impacts emotional and behavioral
issues such as negative self-perceptions and mental health feelings that may
lead to a ghostee experiencing internalizing symptoms. For the ghostees, this
study helps identify and resolve these issues. The findings of the study indicate
that a ghostee has to be emotionally and mentally independent, never anticipate
a response after the ghosting phenomenon, and ask for clinical help if you are
experiencing internalizing symptoms to avoid being caught up with mental health
complications.
3. The ghosters' choice of terminating a communication also impacts their
emotional/psychological health, resulting in social isolation. Therefore, this study
helps in visualizing the emotional connection of a relationship that aids ghosters
in preventing the detrimental inability to connect with people after cycles of
ghosting emotionally. The study's findings indicate that ghosters can create a
better communication attitude towards themselves and others around them and
create an open and sincere environment for their potential partners to avoid the
impacts of ghosting.
4. For the general public, the study provides awareness for individuals who want to
experience or engage in romantic relationships and clarifies the misconception
and warped idea of romance to the general public. The study shows that
romantic relationships can dissolve in a single factor, primarily through an online
setup. Sudden breakups, even if they occur online, can impact an individual's
emotional and psychological well-being. If they are not emotionally harmed, they
will acquire an attitude of indifference to the notion of love and relationships,
which can be damaging to future relationships. Furthermore, they endanger not
only themselves but also other important people in their lives. Ghosting is the
outcome of an untimely and insensitive chain of events. Based on the data,

39
Ghosters can influence Ghostees to follow in their footsteps due to the emotional
damage they can inflict on their victim. This research may be used as an
in-depth guide to assist Ghosting victims with their problems, educate Ghosters
about the consequences of Ghosting and how it can harm their victims and
others around them, and, most importantly, enlighten the general public on the
implications and misconceptions of online ghosting.
5. As a result of the pandemic and the use of technology for communication, there
has been a considerable increase in online relationships. However, little study
has been conducted on online relationships and ghosting. Information on the
internet about this subject is scarce, and this study may contribute to that
scarcity. This work is rich in factual data for future researchers and can
significantly contribute to this field of study. Respondents from Atenean senior
high school students aged seventeen to nineteen were used in our data
gathering. Their replies shed a lot of light on the subject and have opened up
new avenues for new plausible perspectives on online dating and online
ghosting. The majority of the scarce literature on this subject has been used and
summarized in this study, allowing future research to be more exact and
accurate. Since this study focused on norms, behaviors, factors, and effects.
Future researchers may focus on the angle of ghosting from the perspective of
the LGBTQIA++ community. Ghosting will become increasingly common in the
current world as technology is used in communication and the growth of online
interactions, but it should not be allowed to become normalized. Ghosting and
the misconceptions around it are harmful to people's emotional health and
psyche, and the warped image it may impose on victims can reflect in their
everyday lives and eventually damage cultural frameworks in dating. This

40
research will serve as a foundation for informing the public about this growing
problem.
41
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APPENDICES
47
APPENDIX A
LETTER OF APPROVAL
November 19,2022
AUJEFEL AMOR Y. LEE

Senior High School Unit
Dear Ms. Lee,
Greetings!
I am Jianne Mari E. Acelar, the leader of Group 3 Ghostbusters from Grade

12 Campion of the Ateneo de Davao University – Senior High School, and as part of
our curriculum, we are required to take classes called Practical Research 2, Applied
Inquiries, Investigations, and Immersion, where we are taught different research
methods. We are planning to conduct a qualitative research design research study
entitled “GHOSTBUSTING: UNDERSTANDING THE ATENEAN PERCEIVED
NORMS AND BEHAVIOR OF GHOSTING AND ITS EMOTIONAL EFFECTS” and
the aims are to know how an Atenean defines ghosting, determine the emotional
effects of ghosting on ghostees and ghosters, and identify the factors of ghosting.
In line with this, I would like to ask permission from your good office to
conduct the study. The gathering of data includes an interview that will be conducted
in a semi-structured manner, for Grade 12 learners.
For your reference, attached herewith is the statement of the problem and
the survey questionnaire.
Should you have any questions or concerns, you may contact me at

09506267387, or my email, jmeacelar@addu.edu.ph.
Thank you very much and we look forward to your favorable response.
Sincerely,
JIANNE MARI E. ACELAR

Researcher
Noted by:
48
JOSH ETHAN VILLANUEVA

Practical Research 2 Teacher
Approved by:
AUJEFEL AMOR Y. LEE

APPENDIX B
49
INFORMED CONSENT FOR QUALITATIVE RESEARCH STUDY
GHOSTBUSTING: THE ATENEAN PERCEIVED NORMS AND BEHAVIOR OF

ONLINE GHOSTING AND ITS EMOTIONAL EFFECTS
Full Name of Researchers: Batilong, Ludin Mareeze L.
: Montallana, Mae Valerie T.
: Rama, Monica Andrea M.
: Cunanan, Joshel Marie T.
: Mondilla, Shenaiah S.
: Acelar, Jianne Mari E.
: Sy, Jennifer Shane C.
1. I volunteer to participate in the above research study, and I understand that this
research is designed to gather information about the perception of Ateneo de
Davao Senior High School students on inclusion of all-gender restrooms in the
campus in relation to having support with the LGBT community and develop cura
personalis towards the betterment of the community. I am aware that my
participation is voluntary, and I am free to withdraw or discontinue my
participation without giving any reason.
2. I do not have any hesitation if my conversations with the group are video-taped
or audio-taped and transcribed for analysis. And I am also aware that the copies
of the transcripts will be returned to me.
3. I understand that the researcher will not identify me by name in any reports using
information obtained from the in-depth interview, and that my confidentiality as
participants in this study will remain secure by assigning me an alias.

50
4. I have read and understood the explanation provided to me, and I am free to ask
questions and be answered to my satisfaction.
5. I have been given a copy of this consent form.
____________________
__________________
Name of Participant Signature
__________________
Name of Researcher Signature
___________________ ___________________
Date Date
INTERVIEW GUIDE
Research questions
51
RQ1. What are an Atenean’s perceived norms and behavior of Ghosting?
RQ2. What are the effects of ghosting on an Atenean's emotional health?
RQ3. What factors trigger the increase in online ghosting cases?
Instructions:
Participants will be asked to answer questions with full honesty to ensure the data
captures the accuracy of their experiences. There is no required number of words or
sentences to demonstrate the semi-structured nature of the interview. The participants
will be reminded that the interview will be recorded and only with their permission shall it
be used to contribute to the study. Furthermore, the participants shall be reminded that
the researchers shall honor their honesty by using their information to create a study that
shall overall help society.
Interview Questions for the ghosters
A. Key Informant Profile

a. How do you want to be addressed and what are your preferred pronouns?
b. State your age as of last birthday
c. State your religion
d. State your birthplace
e. State your Sex/Gender
f: State your relationship status (single, talking stage, or in a relationship) *optional
Central Sub-questions
1. How does an Atenean define ghosting and their ghosting experience?
A. How do you understand ghosting as a person in the time of the digital age?
B. Have you ever ghosted anyone? If so, why did you ghost your ghostee?
C.Have you ever ghosted anyone before the pandemic? If so, please tell us about this
experience.
D. How did the pandemic affect your perception of ghosting?
E. When was the last time you ghosted someone?
2. What are the effects of ghosting on an Atenean’s emotional health?
A. How did you feel during the time you ghosted someone?
B. What did the emotions mean to you?
C. How did these emotions lead to your understanding of the relationship?
D. What occurred over time after you ghosted your partner?
52
E. How did these emotions affect your day-to-day life?

F. How did these emotions affect how you viewed themselves?
3. What factors trigger the increase in online ghosting cases?

A. What was the process of ghosting someone over the internet?
B. What occurrences did you think led to the dissolution of the relationship?
C. Why do you Ghost?
D. What are the reasons to ghost someone?
E. What are the emotional advantages of dissolving a relationship online through this
method?
Interview Questions for the ghostees
A. Key Informant Profile

a. How do you want to be addressed and what are your preferred pronouns?
b. State your age as of last birthday
c. State your religion
d. State your birthplace
e. State your Sex/Gender
f: State your relationship status (single, talking stage, or in a relationship) *optional
Central Sub-questions
1. How does an Atenean define ghosting and their ghosting experience?
A. How do you understand ghosting as a person in the time of the digital age?
B. Have you ever been ghosted by anyone? If so, why do you think they ghosted you?
C.Have you ever been ghosted by anyone before the pandemic? If so, please tell us
about this experience.
D. How did the pandemic affect your perception of ghosting?
E. When was the last time you have ever been ghosted?
2. What are the effects of ghosting on an Atenean’s emotional health?
A. How did you feel during the time you were ghosted?
B. What did the emotions mean to you?
C. How did these emotions lead to your understanding of the relationship?
D. What occurred over time after you were ghosted?
E. How did these emotions affect your day-to-day life?
F. How did these emotions affect how you viewed yourself?
3. What factors trigger the increase in online ghosting cases?

A. What was the process of getting ghosted by someone over the internet?
53
B. What occurrences did you think led to the dissolution of the relationship?
C. Why did you get Ghosted?
D. What are the reasons you think lead you to being ghosted?
E. What are the emotional advantages of dissolving a relationship online through this
method?
CURRICULUM VITAE
54
Name: Jianne Mari Acelar
Age: 18 years old
Sex: Female
Address: Poblacion, President Roxas North Cotabato
Civil Status: Single
Birthday: March 18, 2005
Birth Place: Amas, Kidapawan City, Provincial Hospital
E-mail Address: jmeacelar@addu.edu.ph
Educational Attainment
Senior High School: Ateneo de Davao University
Junior High School: President Roxas National High School
Elementary: President Roxas Central Elementary School
Organization Affiliation
Ateneo Society Public Speakers

(Aspeak) Club SY 22-23: Assistant Finance
Youth For Christ Club SY 22-23
Grupong Gapaminaw Broadcaster SY 21-22 and SY 22-23
Council Of Class Representative SY 22-23
Executive Secretary Of Jerusalem Cluster, SY 2022-2023
CURRICULUM VITAE
55
Name: Ludin Mareeze Batilong
Age: 18 years old
Sex: Female
Address: 309 Calle de Teresita, Fuente de Villa- Abrille,

Tulip Drive, Davao City, Davao del Sur
Birthplace: Davao City
E-mail Address: Imbatilong@addu.edu.ph
Junior High School: Ateneo de Davao University
Elementary: Ateneo de Davao University
Organization Affiliation:
Pulsong Atenista Student Government Creatives Layouting Department Staff

Member (2021-2022)
Pulsong Atenista Student Government Creatives Layouting Department Staff

Member (2022-2023), Finance Officer
CURRICULUM VITAE
56
Name: Joshel Marie T. Cunanan
Age: 18 years old
Sex: Female
Address: St. Matthew Manggahan, Toril Davao City,

Crossing Bayabas, Toril Davao City
Birthday: September 26, 2004
E-mail Address:jmtcunanan@addu.edu.ph
Junior High School: St. Joseph School Of Toril
Elementary: St. Joseph School Of Toril
Taekwondo Club Member SY 2021-2022
Badminton Club Member SY 2022-2023
CURRICULUM VITAE
57
Name: Shenaiah S. Mondilla
Age: 19 years old
Sex: Female
Address: Purok 3 Marapangi 1 Toril Davao City
E-mail Address: shenaiahmondilla50@gmail.com
Junior High School: Dona Carmen Denia National High School

Yagi Method Children’s Academy
Elementary: International Bible Baptist Academy
The Ateneo Voices Member SY 2022-2023
Arrupe Volunteer’s Club: Usec for external affairs SY 2022-2023

58
CURRICULUM VITAE
Name: Mae Valerie T. Montallana
Age: 18 years old
Sex: 18 years old
Address: Area 2, Pleasantville Subdivision

Tacloban City
Birthday: July 7, 2004
Birthplace: Naval, Biliran
E-mail Address: mvtmontallana@addu.edu.ph
Junior High School: Leyte Normal University-Integrated Laboratory School
Elementary: Leyte Normal University-Integrated Laboratory School
Ateneo Filmmakers Society (Film Critique)
Debatinista( Debater)
CURRICULUM VITAE
59
Name: Monica Andrea M. Rama
Age: 19 years old
Sex: Female
Address: #50 Kamagong St. Rabe Subdivision

Tagum City, Davao del Norte
Birthday: February 9, 2003
Birthplace: Tagum City
E-mail Address: mamrama@addu.edu.ph
Educational Attainment:
Junior High School: Ateneo de Davao University
Elementary: Ateneo de Davao University
Liga Ng Mga Atenista Sa Kamay At Sipa

(Lakas ) Club SY 22-23: Executive Secretary
AdDU SHS Book Club SY 21-22
CURRICULUM VITAE
60
Name: Jennifer Shane S. Sy
Age: 18 years old
Sex: Female
Address: Brgy. Upper Langcangan, Barrientos St.,

Oroquieta City, Misamis
Birthday: December 31, 2004
Birthplace: Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental
E-mail Address: jscsy@addu.edu.ph
Junior High School: Stella Maris College
Elementary: Anchor Of Hope Baptist Christian School
Head Associative Of Jerusalem Cluster, SY. 2022-2023
Red Cross Youth Crescent Cluster Member SY. 2021-2023
Red Cross Youth Crescent Cluster Member SY. 2022-2023

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GHOSTBUSTING: THE ATENEAN PERCEIVED NORMS AND BEHAVIOR OF

ONLINE GHOSTING AND ITS EMOTIONAL EFFECTS

Presented to the Faculty of Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in

APPLIED INQUIRIES, INVESTIGATION AND IMMERSION

Batilong, Ludin Mareeze L.

Humanities and Social Sciences

GHOSTBUSTING: UNDERSTANDING THE ATENEAN PERCEIVED NORMS AND

APPROVED in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the course subject

ACCEPTED in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Inquiries, Investigation,

March 30, 2023 __________________________

Batilong, Ludin Mareeze L.

Montallana, Mae Valerie T.

Rama, Monica Andrea M.

Cunanan, Joshel Marie T.

Acelar, Jianne Mari E.

Sy, Jennifer Shane C.

to show His divine order for the success of this study:

sympathetic guidance on this work.

conduct the study.

To the families of the researchers namely: the Acelar, Batilong, Cunanan,

in pressured days for the completion of this study.

thank you very much.

This study is dedicated to the following:

(HUMSS, Grade 12 Campion)

Keywords: Ghostee, Ghoster, Qualitative Phenomenological, Semi-structured Interview,

Declaration of Originality iii

Table of Contents vii

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 7

Significance of the Study 7

Scope and Limitations 8

2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Definition and History of Ghosting 11

Emotional Effects of Ghosting 20

Synthesis of Reviewed Literature 23

Locale of the Study 25

Data Collection Procedure 27

4 DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

The Ateneans' Perceived Norms and Behaviors of Ghosting 31

Perceived Effects of Ghosting on an Atenean's Emotional Health 34

The Factors that Trigger the Increase of Online Ghosting Cases 38

5 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND IMPLICATIONS

A. Permission Letter to the Assistant Director of Academics 57

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

In this chapter, the researchers presented significant related works of literature

types of romantic relationships, many of them experience various kinds of heartbreaks,

and one form of that is ghosting.

Definition and History of Ghosting

in popularity, and similar historical cases.

The term "ghosting" describes the act of bringing a romantic relationship to an

end by disregarding someone's messages. It is the act of not responding and

has recently received increasing scholarly attention. It is defined as unilaterally breaking

online terminology used in social media.

Although ghosting is a rising problem in the modern dating world, Researchers

George Eliot married at 60 to 40-year-old John Cross, whom he abandoned on their

depend on online presence.

Other people perceived ghosting as a form of relationship dissolution as

technology-mediated communication arose (LeFebvre, 2017). Moreover, a study by

significantly differed in their person-level injunctive norms from individuals with no

evolve as time passes by.

situations (The Psychology of Normative Cognition (Stanford Encyclopaedia of

in prevalent behavioral patterns reinforced by social sanctions (The Psychology of