The world of dating has taken a decidedly spooky turn, with ghosting, zombie-ing, and phantom-flirting becoming commonplace. A recent survey commissioned by Tango Cherry, a brand that understands the nuances of modern relationships, sheds light on these peculiar dating trends.
Ghosting: Disappearing Without a Trace
Almost half of singles (43%) have experienced the unsettling feeling of being ghosted – abruptly cut off without warning. Women are slightly more likely to be ghosted (47%) than men (40%), and daters in Sunderland are the most likely to encounter this phenomenon (70%), while York boasts the least number of ghosters (22%). While ghosting is generally considered unacceptable, a surprising 46% believe it’s an acceptable punishment for cheating. The most common justifications for ghosting are a loss of interest (40%) or a ‘vibe mismatch’ (34%). Surprisingly, 11% have even ghosted someone they were already considered ‘exclusive’ with.
Zombie-ing: The Rise of the Undead
After disappearing without a trace, some ghosters experience a change of heart and resort to ‘zombie-ing’ – re-entering someone’s life via direct messages or social media without any apology or explanation. A staggering 46% of young people have experienced being zombied themselves, and it seems most people aren’t welcoming of this resurrection. Over half (58%) would shun a zombie who attempts a comeback, perhaps learning a lesson about the importance of clear communication in relationships.
Phantom-Flirting: The Subtle Art of Leading Someone On
Then there are the phantom-flirts – those who send subtle but confusing signals of interest that ultimately lead nowhere. These individuals may engage in flirtatious behavior without ever committing to anything concrete, leaving the recipient feeling uncertain and frustrated. A third of young people (30%) have found themselves caught in the web of phantom-flirting, highlighting the need for genuine communication and clarity in the dating world.
The Tango Cherry Perspective
Tango Cherry, a brand that disappeared from the market six years ago before making a surprising comeback, understands the complexities of modern relationships. Their survey underscores the challenges of navigating the digital dating landscape, where ghosting, zombie-ing, and phantom-flirting can leave individuals feeling confused, hurt, and uncertain. However, despite the prevalence of these behaviors, the survey also reveals a glimmer of hope. Over a third of men (36%) would be willing to give a past relationship another try as long as they weren’t ghosted, and 23% of women share that sentiment. Perhaps honesty and open communication can still lead to successful relationships, even in a world full of ghosting and zombie-ing.
