Hala Gorani wonders if ghosting has become the new ‘no’.
In a recent article for Vogue Arabia, the journalist recounts a frustrating moment: after WhatsApping a former collaborator of four years to discuss speaking engagements for this year, she received no reply. The silence felt louder than a budget shortfall, even though the message took only a few minutes to draft. Gorani admits she sometimes lets an email linger, hoping it will evaporate, but she finds it harder to ignore someone she has actually worked with.
Why silence feels normal
When Gorani mentioned the unanswered message to her younger cousin Asad, his reaction was casual. “That’s totally normal nowadays,”— Asad, cousin
She also recalled a friend who confirmed the experience, saying they had “been double ghosted.” The term captures the feeling of being ignored not once, but repeatedly, when trying to revive a professional relationship that once spanned several years.
The hidden cost of being left hanging
Experts argue that ghosting is a way to avoid uncomfortable conversations. By letting silence become the default exit strategy, people bypass the awkwardness of saying no, but they also risk eroding trust. Gorani notes that this habit mirrors broader shifts in work life, where long‑term loyalty to a single employer is no longer the norm.
She reflects on her own career, recalling that even while anchoring her own primetime show on CNN, she was told “no” to ideas and pitches. As newsrooms shrink, television audiences decline, and budgets tighten, the pressure to respond promptly grows. Yet the habit of disappearing into the digital wilderness persists, leaving colleagues in limbo.
Why a quick “no” matters
Gorani stresses that a brief, courteous refusal is far more helpful than silence. A simple note lets the other party move on to the next project and preserves the professional relationship. In her view, taking a minute to send a “no” can prevent bitterness and keep networks intact, especially when future collaborations might still be possible.
She concludes that even in a fast‑paced, hyper‑connected world, the old habit of replying—however briefly—remains a small but powerful act of respect.
Frequently asked questions
What does ghosting mean in a professional context?
In the article, ghosting is described as ignoring a colleague’s request or message without replying, letting silence replace a direct “no”.
Why do people choose to ghost instead of saying no at work?
Experts cited in the article say ghosting avoids uncomfortable conversations, making silence the default exit strategy, though it risks eroding trust.
How can a quick “no” improve professional relationships?
Gorani stresses that a brief, courteous refusal lets the other party move on, prevents bitterness, and preserves professional networks, unlike silence that leaves colleagues in limbo.
Is ghosting considered normal in the UAE workplace?
Gorani’s cousin remarks that “that’s totally normal nowadays,” reflecting a perception that lack of response has become common in professional circles in the UAE.
What are the hidden costs of ghosting in the workplace?
The article notes ghosting can erode trust, create uncertainty, and damage long‑term loyalty as work environments become more fluid and expectations for prompt replies rise.
