The rise of ghosting and gaslighting in digital-age relationships is causing significant psychological harm, especially among young adults, a new study reveals. Researchers from the University of Brighton and the University of Coimbra have found strong links between these increasingly common relationship behaviors and symptoms of depression and paranoia, raising fresh concerns about the dangers lurking within online dating culture (The Independent).
For Thai readers living in an era dominated by social media and dating apps, these findings underscore a growing mental health risk that may hit close to home. As relationship customs shift, digital rejection and manipulation techniques—once limited by physical proximity—now cross geographical borders with the tap of a screen. Whether someone has been abruptly ignored by a romantic prospect (ghosting) or repeatedly manipulated to question their own memory and reality (gaslighting), the psychological damage can be profound.
The research team surveyed 544 UK adults aged 18 to 40, focusing on subtle but damaging behaviors like sudden communication cut-off, routine-altering control, and reality-distorting manipulation. Their findings show that ghosting, often enacted via online channels, is linked with markedly higher levels of paranoia, while gaslighting correlates with increased symptoms of depression. Coercive control in relationships—attempts to dictate routines or choices—was also shown to exacerbate paranoid thinking.
Researchers controlled for variables such as age, income, and personal sensitivity to rejection or uncertainty—traits already known to impact mental health. Notably, younger adults and those with lower incomes were found to be especially vulnerable to mental health issues arising from ghosting and gaslighting. This is especially relevant in Thailand, where the popularity of dating platforms among Gen Z and millennials has soared and socioeconomic disparities can worsen psychological outcomes.
One official from the University of Brighton, the study’s co-author and Pro-Vice-Chancellor, commented to the press: “As the use of social media and dating apps grows, so too does the risk of encountering harmful behaviours like ghosting, which our research links to poorer mental health outcomes.” This growing presence of digital relationship harm adds to fears that online dating culture may be fueling a youth mental health crisis worldwide.
The implications extend beyond the United Kingdom. In Thailand, cultural values surrounding saving face and indirect communication are sometimes manifested in ghosting behaviors, where confronting uncomfortable relationships is avoided. Meanwhile, gaslighting can surface within romantic relationships and even within family systems, reflecting broader social hierarchies and gender norms. As mental health awareness in Thailand improves, so too does recognition of the long-term harm these non-physical forms of relationship abuse can cause.
The study’s authors emphasize that psychological harm is not reserved for relationships involving physical violence or overt abuse. Ghosting and gaslighting, subtle as they may seem, can leave lasting emotional wounds requiring attention. Researchers urge greater investment in mental health support for those affected by relationship-based psychological abuse. The report suggests that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be an effective intervention, helping victims build resilience, self-esteem, and healthier coping strategies.
Thai mental health practitioners, educators, and policymakers may find practical value in integrating this knowledge into guidance materials for young adults navigating online relationships. Community leaders and school counsellors are encouraged to promote open discussions around digital dating etiquette and how to seek support after psychological harm. For those affected, seeking help from mental health professionals trained in CBT and trauma-informed care is recommended.
As Thailand embraces modern dating customs and technology, it is vital to maintain safeguards for the psychological health of its young people. Families and communities can foster open communication, avoiding stigmatization of those who seek mental health support. Platforms hosting online dating services can be encouraged to offer resources and reporting tools for users experiencing abusive behaviors. With awareness and prevention, Thailand can mitigate the emotional risks associated with digital dating—helping young people build healthy, respectful relationships both online and off.
For Thai readers navigating romantic relationships in an era of rapid digital change, the actionable takeaway is clear: Learn to identify the signs of ghosting and gaslighting, check in regularly on your own mental health, and don’t hesitate to seek support if you experience distress. Mental health professionals, such as counsellors at local hospitals or school-based services, are increasingly ready to assist those in need. Lastly, community-wide education campaigns can help establish new norms of respectful relationship communication—safeguarding wellbeing in both digital and traditional societies.
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