Why do recruiters ghost candidates? Trying to understand what actually happens

I’m trying to understand recruiter ghosting beyond the frustration and memes.

If you’ve been ghosted, or if you work in recruiting, what usually causes it in reality?

If helpful, feel free to reply by commenting on the closest option below, or explain your own experience:

1. Recruiters are overwhelmed with volume and prioritise new candidates
2. The role changed, paused, or got frozen internally
3. Candidate wasn’t selected and follow-ups weren’t prioritised
4. Poor processes / no accountability for closing loops
5. ATS or admin breakdowns
6. Other (please explain)

Genuinely curious, especially interested in answers from people who’ve seen this from the inside.

Author: Intelligent_Risk_411