Psychiatria pre prax 4/2023

How does nowadays toxic dating look like?

Social media and dating apps have increased considerably in recent years, becoming the primary form of communication between young people in intimate relationships. As a result of new technologies, some studies have noted the emergence of new, previously non-existent ways to initiate, develop and even end relationships. In short, the internet and the development of computer applications and virtual platforms have revolutionized the paradigm of couples’ relationships. Dating coaches and podcasters are talking about a toxic „game“, which, according to them, has fairly predictable rules. The basic terminology of this toxic „game“ in the dating world will be explained. The terms „love bombing“, „future faking“, „ghosting“, „silent treatment“, „breadcrumbing“, „gaslighting“, „stonewalling“, „flying monkeys“, „discard“, „reverse discard“, „reactive abuse“, and „grey rocking“ will be clarified in this article.

Keywords: toxic, relationships, dating, partner