A legislator in the Philippines has filed a bill seeking to declare the act of “ghosting” — or ending communication with someone without explanation — a form of emotional abuse.
Okay… before we jump to conclusions… let’s just hear him out…
In House Bill No611, which was released to the media on Tuesday, Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr said ghosting caused trauma as it “develops feelings of rejection and neglect”.
“Studies have shown that social rejection of any kind activates the same pain pathways in the brain as physical pain, meaning there’s a biological link between rejection and pain. That goes for friends and partners alike,” Teves said.
“It can be likened to a form of emotional cruelty and should be punished as an emotional offence,” he added.
In an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Final Word on Wednesday, Teves also explained the emotional abuse caused by ghosting was also detrimental to the nation’s productivity.
“If you’re a worker that is not in a good state of mind, your work will be affected because you have been ghosted,” Teves said.
The legislator added he did not indicate any proposed penalty as he needs to consult his colleagues in further refining the measure.
“For me, the offence should not be heavy. We can impose a penalty of community service for offenders to realise that ghosting is not right,” Teves said.
Okay now that we have heard his side… what are your thoughts.. let us know
