Catfishing: Don't take the BAIT!

Catfish (v.): an individual who sets up a false personal profile on a social networking site for fraudulent or deceptive purposes 

With the accessibility and ease to what almost feels like an unlimited amount of social media sites, there are a variety of ways for cruel people to make fake accounts and bully online today. 

One of these ways includes catfishing.

Who are these catfishers? People that are...

• Compulsive liars 
• Addicted to fantasy
• May have a history of abuse
• Have a feeling of being unloved or unwanted
• May desire to hurt others
• Possible self-esteem issues

Possible motivations include:

• Revenge
• Loneliness
• Curiosity 
• Boredom

Over the last decade in the US, the percentage of people that know someone who has dated online has increased drastically from 11% to 42%. Also, the percentage of people that know someone who has met their partner online has increased from 15% to 29% in the last decade as well.

What does this mean? This gives a lot more opportunities for catfishing online. 

Studies show that women are 50% more likely to lie about themselves on social media. 

Another study shows that 1 out of every 10 dating profiles are fake. 

How to avoid the bait: 

• If they seem too good to be true, then they probably are!!! 
• Look out for glamorous professions
• Be cautious of the random people who start communication with you online
• Check for mutual friends

Red flags:

• Have dramatic reasons for not meeting in person
• Keep you on the hook with the promise of meeting later
• Give excuses of why they can't use webcam or send pictures

Today, Nev Schulman hosts the MTV show "Catfish" in order to help others discover the true identity of their online romances after he was personally catfished. He popularized the term "catfishing."

If you are out there on these online dating websites, be careful and don't get "hooked" or you might end up on MTV!