Behind the mask: Why do people catfish?

Imagine meeting someone online who seems perfect. Their photos are amazing; personality If your tastes match, the conversation will be more lively. But then you find out they are not who they said they were. This is a catfish, when someone makes a fake identity You can connect with others online. But why do people do it? Let’s take a closer look at the reasons behind this phenomenon.

The Internet as a stage for reinvention

Online, you can be anyone. That’s part of the charm. Most people may make a few adjustments to their profile. A more attractive photo here, a little age adjustment here. But for catfish enthusiasts, it’s about creating an entirely new identity, often using someone else’s photo.

This is also because the Internet feels safe and anonymous. Psychologists refer to this as the “online disinhibition effect,” in which people feel more free to act in ways they would not do offline (Suler, 2004). For some, it’s a chance to escape reality and try a new version of themselves.

looking for connection

One of the main reasons catfish infect humans is because loneliness. They want to connect with others, but are insecure about their true selves, so they create a persona that they think others will like (Schokkenbroek, 2024).

Psychologists call people who are anxious about their relationships.attachment anxiety“They are more likely to catfish (Mosley et al., 2020). They fear rejection and use a false identity as a shield to protect themselves while seeking mates.

Escape from offline challenges

For some people, catfishing is an escape from their suffering. Maybe you’re feeling insecure about your appearance, your job, or your life in general. They can make a living by pretending to be someone else. fantasy They feel more confident and admired (Schokkenbroek, 2024).

Consistent with this, research shows that people with low blood pressure self-esteem Alternatively, people who feel undesirable as romantic partners are more likely to create fake profiles (Campbell & Parker, 2022). For them, it’s not just about fooling others, it’s about feeling good about themselves.

Seeking a thrill

Not all catfish are lonely or anxious. Some people enjoy the thrill deception. They consider it a game, a way to test their ability to deceive others. These people often have the following personality traits: narcissism or MachiavellianismThis includes a desire for control and admiration, and a lack of empathy (Lauder & March, 2023).

boredom and curiosity

Sometimes catfishing is just a way to kill time. Some people create fake profiles boredom or curiosity to see how others will react (Schokkenbroek, 2024). However, that doesn’t make it harmless. Even casual deception can hurt the recipient.

exploration of identity

For others, creating a fake profile is a way to explore parts of their identity they aren’t ready to share with the world. This is especially common in the LGBTQIA+ community. fear of discrimination It can induce someone to create a fake profile (Owens, 2017). Pretending to be someone else allows you to safely explore your feelings and preferences.

Impact of catfish fishing

Being attacked by catfish can have dire consequences. Victims often feel betrayed and embarrassed. Some even feel traumatized. Research shows that it can lead to anxiety and difficulty trusting others in future relationships (Lauckner et al., 2019).

This action can also be harmful to catfish. Maintaining a false persona can be exhausting, and fear of exposure can lead to isolation. It’s a difficult cycle to break.

What can you do?

Understanding why people catfish is the first step to addressing this problem. Given what we currently know, providing resources to people dealing with loneliness, low self-esteem, and identity conflicts may reduce the appeal of creating fake profiles. moreover, date app and social media Platforms need to implement better verification methods to reduce fake profiles.

Catfishing is a complex problem with many layers. By exploring the reasons behind it, we can gain a deeper understanding of how to prevent it and build a more authentic online world.