A new study by researchers at the University of Brighton and the University of Coimbra shows ghosting and gaslighting can profoundly affect mental health, especially among young adults navigating today’s digital dating scene. The findings highlight how online communication correlates with psychological distress and carry important implications for Thailand’s youth and adults facing similar social dynamics.
The UK-based research surveyed 544 adults aged 18 to 40. It found that ghosting—ending communication without explanation—and gaslighting—manipulating someone to doubt their reality—are linked to symptoms of depression and paranoid thinking. The study controlled for age, income, and personality traits such as sensitivity to rejection and uncertainty, which themselves increase vulnerability to distress.
Professor Rusi Jaspal of the University of Brighton notes that digital platforms magnify these behaviors. He says, “The digital age brings vast opportunities for connection but also new risks. Ghosting is mostly a product of online interactions. As social media and dating apps proliferate, so does exposure to harmful behaviors that relate to poorer mental health outcomes.”
The study also found that ghosting and coercive control—where one partner attempts to regulate the other’s behavior—significantly fuel paranoia. Gaslighting showed a strong association with depressive symptoms. The impact was strongest among younger adults and those with lower incomes, underscoring how social pressures and economic vulnerability intersect with abusive relationship dynamics.
For Thailand, where online dating has gained traction and where communal values emphasize harmonious relationships, the findings resonate. Psychological abuse, even without physical harm, can erode mental wellbeing. This matters for mental health professionals, educators, and policymakers addressing youth mental health and online harms. Local experts note that Thai youths frequently use messaging and social platforms to form connections, making awareness of healthy digital interactions essential.
An assistant professor of counselling psychology at a leading Thai university, not involved in the UK study, observes that ghosting and gaslighting are relevant to Thai youth using popular apps and messaging services. Clients report anxiety, self-doubt, and depressive symptoms tied to abrupt relationship loss or online manipulation.
Thailand’s evolving dialogue on intimate partner violence now includes emotional abuse. The Ministry of Public Health has led campaigns recognizing psychological trauma’s role in depression and suicide risk among Thai youth, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed care and early intervention.
Experts advocate psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to bolster resilience for those impacted by ghosting or gaslighting. CBT is already utilized in Thailand’s hospital outpatient services and urban clinics, though access remains uneven outside major cities. Schools and universities could help by raising awareness about subtle relationship harms and encouraging early help-seeking.
The rise of digital communication also calls for coordinated education on healthy online dating. With high smartphone penetration and the normalization of online relationships, preventive education becomes crucial. Reducing stigma around mental health and expanding access to counseling in rural and provincial areas will support broader resilience.
For readers navigating online dating or supporting loved ones, the message is clear: abrupt emotional withdrawal, persistent self-doubt instigated by a partner, or manipulative control warrants support. Building digital boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and seeking help from trusted friends or a mental health professional can foster greater resilience.
Thai readers can find supportive resources through the Ministry of Public Health’s mental health programs and local counseling services. Data from Thai health institutions shows ongoing efforts to improve mental health literacy and access to care, reflecting a national commitment to youth wellbeing.