Falsifying Identity on the Internet: Dating Websites

False identities on dating websites have become a tool for people to act as someone else, and attract someone that they would not normally attract. With the protection of hiding behind the computer screen, a user can easily obtain images other than his/her own to create a new online identity. “Catfish” has become a modern term to describe this type of individual and his/her actions. As defined by MTV, “To pretend to be someone you're not online by posting false information, such as someone else's pictures, on social media sites, usually with the intention of getting someone to fall in love with you” (dailymail). The television show on MTV is based off of the 2010 documentary called “Catfish.” Following the premise of these programs, this term has come to use in everyday language. 

In this situation, there are two obvious parties involved: the individual who is falsifying his/her identity online, and the unsuspecting victim. In addition to being tricked into love, the victim in this scenario also must face many other dilemmas upon the discovery that his/her online lover is not who they think they are. In many situations, these victims have disclosed a significant amount of information, even images, to the other person. Not only does this cause for obvious distrust and devastation, but it also can lead to harassment. However, there are also other individuals that may end up getting involved, even if they are not even on the dating website. In the Dr. Phil episode, “Catfish With a Twist,” one man was inadvertently involved in a catfish scandal when his pictures were used on a profile without his knowledge (DrPhil.com). This man was accused of being the impostor, and was continually harassed by two individuals who believed that he was guilty. While the effects of catfish on the victim are obvious, the effects on people who are only involved through the bad luck of having their images available on the internet must also suffer the consequences of false identities on the Internet.

Sources:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2264053/Catfishing-The-phenomenon-Internet-scammers-fabricate-online-identities-entire-social-circles-trick-people-romantic-relationships.html

http://www.drphil.com/shows/show/2020