catfishing
Catfishing
Pretending to be someone else online in order to gain trust, attention, emotional closeness, or money.
Details
Catfishing is when someone creates a fake identity online and uses it to build a relationship or manipulate another person. The fake identity may include false photos, a made-up name, or an invented life story. Sometimes the motive is loneliness or attention, but it can also involve control, humiliation, or financial scams. For the person being deceived, the emotional impact can be serious and can leave lasting trust wounds.
💡 Real-Life Example
Someone on a dating app uses another person’s photos, avoids video calls, and keeps making excuses not to meet while becoming emotionally intense very quickly.
This content is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis.