Cricketing and ghosting: the new digital violence we normalize

We live in a digital age where connectivity is constant and relationships are formed and dissolved with the same ease with which we swipe a finger on a screen. However, this digital omnipresence has brought new forms of interaction, some of them deeply harmful. The cricketing and the ghosting are two alarming examples of this new digital violence that, unfortunately, is becoming normalized.

What are Cricketing and Ghosting?

Cricketing: Intermittent Attention and Emotional Manipulation

The cricketing, derived from the sound of crickets (crickets in English) symbolizing silence, refers to the practice of keeping someone "on hold" in a potential relationship. Imagine you are chatting with someone you are interested in. They respond to your messages inconsistently, sometimes quickly, sometimes taking days or even weeks. They keep you hooked with small doses of attention, but without real commitment. This person is "cricketing" you.

Cricketing is a subtle form of emotional manipulation. The person who practices it enjoys the power they exert by keeping their "victim" in a state of uncertainty and longing. It is never clear where the relationship stands, which generates anxiety, confusion and a constant need for validation on the part of the person who receives the "cricketing".

Ghosting: Sudden Disappearance and Absolute Silence

Ghosting is even more direct and brutal. It consists of cutting off all communication with someone abruptly and without any explanation. From one day to the next, the person simply disappears. They stop responding to messages, block phone numbers and social media, and vanish like a ghost (ghost in English).

Unlike cricketing, where there is at least an appearance of interaction, ghosting implies absolute silence. The person who is "ghosted" is left without answers, wondering what went wrong and feeling deeply rejected. This lack of closure can be devastating for self-esteem and mental health.

The Consequences of Cricketing and Ghosting

Both cricketing and ghosting are forms of cyberbullying and digital violence that can have serious consequences for the mental health of affected individuals:

• Anxiety and depression: Uncertainty and rejection can trigger feelings of anxiety and depression.
• Low self-esteem: The lack of explanation and silence can make a person question their own worth and attractiveness.
• Difficulty trusting: Experiences of cricketing or ghosting can make it harder to form healthy relationships in the future.
• Obsession: The need to understand what happened can lead a person to become obsessed with the situation and with the person who "ghosted" or "cricketed" them.
• Feelings of guilt and shame: The affected person may internalize the experience and feel guilty or ashamed for having been "abandoned" or "ignored".

Why Are These Practices Normalized?

The normalization of cricketing and ghosting is a reflection of several factors:

• The culture of immediacy: In the digital age, we expect instant responses and immediate gratification. This can lead to a lower tolerance for waiting and impulsivity in relationships.
• The depersonalization of online interactions: Behind a screen, it is easier to disconnect from emotions and the impact of our actions on others.
• The abundance of options: The ease with which we can connect with new people online can lead to a "use and discard" mentality in relationships.
• The lack of consequences: In the virtual world, it is easier to avoid responsibility for our actions and disappear without being held accountable.

How to Combat Cricketing and Ghosting?

Combating this digital violence requires a collective effort to raise awareness about its harmful effects and promote healthier and more respectful online relationships:

• Encourage open and honest communication: Express yourself clearly about your expectations and needs in a relationship.
• Set boundaries: Don't settle for ambiguous or inconsistent relationships. Value your time and your energy.
• Prioritize your mental health: If you are being "cricketed" or "ghosted", seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional.
• Report cyberbullying: Don't stay silent. If you are a victim of cyberbullying, report the situation to the appropriate authorities.
• Be aware of your own actions: Reflect on how you behave in online relationships and avoid practicing cricketing or ghosting.

The Future of Relationships in the Digital Age

Cricketing and ghosting are symptoms of a deeper problem: the dehumanization of relationships in the digital age. To build more meaningful and healthy online relationships, we must remember that behind every profile there is a real person with emotions and feelings.

Technology is a powerful tool, but it should not replace empathy, honesty and respect. It is time to redefine our relationships in the digital age and build a future where virtual connection is based on authenticity and compassion.