Ghost accounts are also referred to as ghost followers or lurkers. They are users on social media platforms who remain inactive or do not engage in activity. They register on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. These users follow active members, but do not partake in liking, commenting, messaging and posting. These account may be created by people or social bots.

Many ghost followers are scammers who create fictional profiles and scam others.

The challenge is that children are motivated to have as many followers as possible as it is a symbol of their popularity therefore there is a conflict when unknown or ghost accounts request to friend or follow them. These unknown accounts can also potentially be sexual predators.