Long gone are the days of ‘GSOH’ and ‘enjoys long walks’. Nowadays, there’s a whole new set of vocabulary and abbreviations to learn if you want to keep up with the online dating scene – from “swiping left” to ENM (that’s ‘ethical non-monogamy’ for the uninitiated!)
However, one of the most important terms to understand is ‘catfishing’, because of the potential consequences for those who don’t. In this post, we’ll discuss what catfishing means in online dating.
What does catfishing mean online?
Catfishing is the process of tricking someone into a relationship by posing as someone else (real or completely fake). The term ‘catfish’ in its current sense originated in the 2010 documentary, Catfish, where producer Nev Schulman was a victim of this very scenario.
In the documentary, he makes friends with an 8-year-old and her family, after the child paints one of his photos. He begins an online relationship with the half-sister Megan, though it later transpires that the Mum (Angela) was posing as all the various Facebook profiles.
Angela’s husband then introduces a metaphor about how catfish were shipped with live cod to keep them active. He believes his wife to be such a ‘catfish’, who is there to keep other people alert.
What is catfishing on the internet?
Since 2010, catfishing as a phrase has become commonplace. Unfortunately, so too has the act. On the internet, it’s much easier for people to pose as someone else or create a fictional profile using a mishmash of real and fake information.
Catfishing takes place on a range of platforms, from social media sites like Facebook and Instagram to dating apps like Tindr and Bumble – not to mention dating websites too. All it takes is someone else’s pictures and a convincing backstory.
Why? Some people do it for enjoyment – either the thrill of tricking someone or simply that they like being someone else. Posing as someone half their age might give them the opportunity to speak to younger people, for example.
However, in many cases, there are more serious motives at play. Catfishing can be used to seek revenge with the goal of obtaining personal information or even photos of a victim to humiliate them or damage their reputation.
Alternatively, it can be used for financial gain. After luring a victim into a relationship, some catfish will fabricate a believable scenario where they need money. Common examples are medical bills and travel costs to meet the victim in person.
Related Reading: Is Catfishing Illegal in the UK?
Am I being catfished?
Catfishing is more common that you might think in the world of online dating. If you suspect that you’re being catfished, it’s not something you should ignore. At M19 Solutions, we offer fast, discreet catfish investigation services to check whether your perfect match is the person they’re claiming to be.
If anything is awry, our professional investigators will let you know so you can cut all ties or take legal action with the evidence we provide. If they are who they say, you can continue your relationship. In either case, nobody has to know we were ever involved!
To get started, call us on 0161 706 0057 or email info@m19solutions.co.uk.
