What is catfishing?
Catfishing refers to someone creating a false online identity, typically for deceptive purposes. According to Wikipedia, “Catfishing is the deceptive activity of pretending to be someone else by creating fake profiles on social media sites usually targeting a specific victim.”
Catfishing usually occurs on social media sites, dating apps, online forums and gaming platforms where a catfisher creates a fake profile using someone else’s photos and fabricated personal information. The catfisher uses this fake persona to form relationships, mislead or manipulate others online.
The motivations for catfishing include seeking attention and affection from strangers, pursuing financial gain through romance scams, cyberbullying others, or gathering personal information for identity theft. Catfishers often target vulnerable individuals and exploit their emotions to gain trust and sympathy.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catfishing
https://www.mail.com/blog/posts/what-is-catfishing/187/
Demographics most affected
According to a report by LegalJobs, catfishing scams target victims across all age groups from 18 to 70+, however the most targeted age group is 18-29 which accounts for 24.7% of all catfishing reports.
There also appears to be gender differences when it comes to susceptibility to catfishing scams. A study by AllAboutCookies found that 43% of male internet users reported being catfished at some point, which was 25% higher than the rate for women at 34%.
Other demographic factors also seem to play a role. For example, the IDStrong report showed that individuals who identified as LGBTQ+ were disproportionately more likely to be catfished, accounting for 23% of reports while only making up 5% of the general population.
In summary, while people of all ages and backgrounds can fall victim to catfishing, data indicates that younger adults, men, and LGBTQ+ individuals may be the most susceptible demographics.
Personality traits that increase risk
Certain personality traits make some people more susceptible to being catfished than others. According to research, people who tend to be lonely, have low self-esteem, and strongly desire companionship are at higher risk.
Loneliness is a major factor that catfishers exploit. People who feel isolated and crave more social connections can be vulnerable to the attention and affection of a perceived online companion. As one psychology study found, having an anxious attachment style, often expressed as clinginess in relationships, was a predictor for becoming involved with a catfish [1].
Those with low self-esteem may be more prone to catfishing as well. People who lack confidence can be susceptible to compliments and flattery from a catfisher. The catfisher makes them feel valued and desirable, while exploiting their emotional needs.
Furthermore, some personality types strongly desire love, intimacy, and companionship. As reported by psychologists, these relationship-oriented people are more likely to overlook red flags and rationalize deceit in order to fulfill their need for connection. Their strong motivation for a relationship can blind them to the falsehoods of a catfisher [2].
Online behaviors that raise risk
Certain online behaviors can increase your risk of being catfished. According to a 2021 report by Bark.us ([url1]), oversharing personal information with strangers online raises your vulnerability. Providing details like your full name, address, place of work, and relationship status to someone you just met on the internet gives them ammunition to create a fake identity using your details.
Additionally, frequently engaging with strangers online that you have not properly verified can lead to catfishing. Having long conversations and building an online friendship or relationship without first fact-checking their identity through video chat or meeting in person puts you at risk ([url3]).
Using insecure social media apps and websites with poor identity verification also increases your chances of encountering catfishing scams. Platforms that make it easy to create anonymous or fake profiles without thoroughly vetting users enable catfishing behavior to thrive.
Lack of digital literacy
One of the key factors that makes people vulnerable to catfishing scams is a lack of digital literacy, especially around verifying information and photos from online sources. Many catfish rely on victims’ inability to cross-reference details like profile pictures or biographical facts. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, over 50% of adults fail to verify basic information shared by other internet users.[1]
Without the skills to independently fact-check online content, people can easily fall for common catfishing techniques like using fake or stolen photos grabbed from other websites. For example, a catfish may use images of an attractive model or public figure and claim it’s a picture of themselves. Those lacking digital literacy won’t think to reverse image search the photos or look for verified social media accounts.
Furthermore, inexperienced social media users may not realize how easy it is to fabricate life details like age, location, education, or job. Catfish rely on the notion that people will take shared text at face value without digging deeper on whether the information can be verified. Developing digital literacy around validating online content is crucial to avoid being manipulated.
Red flags to watch out for
There are certain behaviors that should raise red flags when getting to know someone online. The main warning signs that someone may be catfishing include:
- Inconsistent details in their stories or background. Catfishers often have trouble keeping their lies straight and may slip up on details about where they live, what they do, or their past experiences.
- Refusal to video chat. Most catfishers will avoid video chatting or make excuses for why they can’t turn their camera on. They don’t want their target to see they look nothing like their fake photos.
- Asking for money. Many catfishers ultimately want financial gain and will start asking for money for emergencies, business ideas, travel to meet you, and more. Asking for money is a clear red flag.
Being attentive to these signs and inconsistencies in communication can help identify someone who is not being truthful about who they say they are. Proceed with caution if you notice any of these behaviors.
Source: https://spunout.ie/voices/advice/protect-yourself-from-the-possible-catfish/
Psychological effects
Being catfished can have severe psychological impacts on victims. The act of deception involved in catfishing often leaves victims feeling betrayed and causes them to lose trust in others. Victims may feel embarrassed that they were fooled, especially if intimate details or images were shared with the catfisher.
A study by the University of Leicester found that catfishing takes a toll on mental health, with victims reporting high levels of anxiety, depression, and emotional trauma (The Psychology of a Catfisher). These psychological effects persist even after the catfishing ends. Victims describe feelings of hypervigilance, paranoia, and suspicion that negatively impact their ability to form relationships.
Therapists note that those already prone to anxiety or depression may be especially impacted by the betrayal of catfishing and suffer from prolonged distrust (Catfishing’s Effects On Your Brain). The trauma of being deceived can lead to lasting suspicion, undermining victims’ sense of safety online and off. Recovery requires rebuilding self-esteem and learning to trust again.
How to protect yourself
One of the best ways to protect yourself from being catfished is to do a reverse image search on any photos you receive. Services like Google Images allow you to upload a photo or enter the URL of an image to see if it appears elsewhere online. This makes it easy to determine if the photos are of the actual person or stolen from somewhere else.
You should also look for any inconsistencies in what the person tells you about themselves. For example, if they claim to live in one city but their social media posts are tagged in another location, that’s a red flag. Or if they say they are a certain age but their photos appear much younger or older. Any lies or discrepancies are signs you may be getting catfished.
The most foolproof way to avoid catfishing is to video chat before meeting the person. Seeing them live on video makes it nearly impossible for them to pretend to be someone else. Don’t be afraid to ask for a video call early on to verify who you are talking to. Legitimate people will have no issue with this request.
With a bit of diligence, you can protect yourself online and avoid becoming victim to catfishers. Do your research and trust your instincts if something seems off.
What to do if catfished
If you discover that you have been the victim of a catfishing scam, there are several steps you should take right away:
First, cease all contact with the catfisher immediately. Do not try to get explanations or reasons from them, as they will likely just provide more false information. Cut off all communication on the platform where you met them.
Next, report the catfishing account and activity to the dating app, social media platform, or other site where you met the scammer. Reporting the profile and providing evidence of being catfished will help get the account removed before others are victimized.
Additionally, notify your friends and family about the experience. Let them know you were catfished so they can provide emotional support. Warn them about any fake social media profiles created by the scammer as well.
Seeking help from loved ones can aid the recovery process after discovering the betrayal and manipulation of a catfishing scheme. Having a strong support system is crucial for overcoming the anger, embarrassment, and sadness caused by this unfortunate deception.
Recovery after catfishing
Recovery after being catfished can be difficult, but there are some key steps you can take to start feeling better:
First, seek support from friends, family, and professionals. Talking through what happened with trusted confidants helps make sense of the experience and prevents isolation. Consider seeing a therapist who can help rebuild self-esteem and process the emotional fallout.
Next, take active steps to build your self-esteem back up. Remind yourself that you are worthy of truthful, meaningful connections. Engage in hobbies and activities that make you feel empowered. Surround yourself with positive influences.
Going forward, exercise more caution when starting new online relationships. Video chat before becoming overly invested. Look for red flags like unwillingness to meet, inconsistencies, and defensiveness. Listen to any gut reservations you have.
With time, support, and restored confidence, it is possible to recover and thrive after being catfished.
