Ignoring

Ignoring is the act of deliberately paying no attention to a person, idea, or stimulus. It can be intentional or unintentional and may involve verbal, nonverbal, or nonresponsive behaviors, such as silence, minimal eye contact, or a lack of acknowledgment. In social contexts, ignoring is often a form of boundary setting or social exclusion.

In social psychology, ignoring is viewed as a tool of ostracism, a form of rejection by a group or individual. Prolonged ignoring can cause distress, reduced self-esteem, and a sense of isolation. Research indicates that social exclusion activates neural and emotional responses comparable to physical pain, underscoring the impact of being ignored.

Ignoring takes various forms. The silent treatment is a deliberate withdrawal of communication used to punish or manipulate. Selective ignoring involves acknowledging some cues while disregarding others. Ignoring can be strategic or accidental and may be employed to avoid conflict, protect boundaries, or manage attention and cognitive load.

Effects and considerations: Ignoring can influence relationships, behavior, and development. Recipients may react with anger, withdrawal, or attempts to re-engage. In parenting and education, ignoring misbehavior without supportive guidance is controversial and may be ineffective; combining boundary setting with positive reinforcement is generally recommended.

In everyday life, ignoring also appears in digital communication, such as ignoring messages or notifications. As information flows increase, people may use selective attention and boundary management to cope with overload, with varying consequences for social connectedness and perceived responsiveness.