Book Explores 'Ghosting' Phenomenon as Product of Neoliberalism and Digital Isolation

Dominic Pettman's "Ghosting" begins with a personal reflection on an uncle who vanished from the family, changing his name and severing all contact. Pettman, a cultural theorist specializing in new media, uses this anecdote to introduce the concept of "ghosting" – the act of suddenly ceasing communication and disappearing from someone's life, particularly within digital environments like social media and smartphones.

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Ghosting' is a 'symbolic suicide,' and in that it is similar to death, the other person becomes unconfirmable.

While physical disappearances were once difficult, Pettman notes that today, cutting off contact can be as simple as the click of a button. He defines ghosting as a "symbolic suicide," observing that it creates an emotional experience akin to grief and confusion for the person left behind, similar to the aftermath of a death because the other person becomes unconfirmable.

Pettman expands the scope of ghosting beyond romantic relationships to include family and friendships, and even broader societal structures. He attributes the rise of ghosting and the resulting "disconnection" to neoliberalism and the increasing emphasis on individualization, which have led to shrinking social networks and more profound isolation. Examples include the isolation experienced by freelancers and non-regular workers, and the replacement of personal customer service with automated systems, which Pettman interprets as society itself "ghosting" individuals.

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He attributes the rise of ghosting and the resulting 'disconnection' to neoliberalism and the increasing emphasis on individualization, which have led to shrinking social networks and more profound isolation.

The book argues that digital platforms, despite their promise of connection, paradoxically deepen isolation. This leads to individuals becoming "ghosted citizens." Pettman stresses the urgent need to restore ways of connecting with, conversing with, and relating to others in a society where disconnection and avoidance are rampant.

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Digital platforms, despite their promise of connection, paradoxically deepen isolation.