Consent & boundaries

Catfishing

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Definition

Catfishing is creating a false online identity, often using someone else's photos, to deceive people into a relationship, friendship or financial exchange.

At a glance

  • Creating a false online identity to deceive someone.
  • Often involves using someone else's photos.
  • Motives range from insecurity to fraud, harassment or sextortion.
  • Refusing video calls and stories that do not add up are common warning signs.
  • It undermines informed consent to a relationship.

In detail

The term was popularised by the 2010 documentary Catfish. Motives range from loneliness or insecurity to deliberate fraud, harassment or sextortion. Common signs include refusing video calls, stories that do not add up and reverse image searches that reveal the photos belong to someone else.

Catfishing undermines informed consent, because people cannot meaningfully agree to intimacy with someone who is not who they claim to be. Dating apps generally allow users to report suspected fake profiles.

In a sentence

  • A reverse image search showed I was being catfished: the photos belonged to a model.
  • He kept refusing to video call, so my friend thought he might be catfishing me.

Where the word comes from

Popularised by the 2010 documentary Catfish and the TV series that followed. The name comes from a story in the film about catfish being kept with other fish to keep them active.

Not to be confused with

  • Kittenfishing

    Kittenfishing is presenting a flattering but still real version of yourself, such as old photos.

Common questions

How can I tell if I am being catfished?

Warning signs include repeatedly avoiding video calls or meeting, stories that change or do not add up, very polished photos and quick, intense attention. A reverse image search can show if photos belong to someone else.

What should I do if I think someone is catfishing me?

Do not send money or intimate images, keep evidence, and report the profile to the dating app or platform. Talking it through with a friend can help.

Related terms