Yep. Spoiler alert. Oh, sorry, too late.
If you were two years late on the "hot" indie documentary of 2010, well I just ruined it for you. You see, this mental case, is the type of woman who can run around sucker males on the internet by stealing photos and creating a robust fake digital social media profile.
Angela Wesselman, whose real identity is not revealed until the end of the movie, was a troubled housewife who spent the bulk of her days caring for two severely handicapped stepsons and building an elaborate web of online deception until it all spun out of control.
As an aspiring artist who had started posted her paintings online in hope of earning praise. However, when she received criticism, she came up with a new plan and started posting them under her young daughter's name, pretending to be a painting prodigy. By doing this, she went from being a decent painter to an exceptional one, but her ruse would go much further than anyone could imagine.
Wessleman fessed up to creating 21 different Facebook characters to support the character of Megan, knowing that having a Facebook family and friends would make her look less suspicious. She doesn't say that she has multiple personality disorder, although she does admit to being a diagnosed schizophrenic.So in other words, "yeah this stuff is certainly doable."
But many have said the entire movie "Catfish" is a hoax ITSELF (we're really in a house of mirrors now, eh?) and that while artfully presented, it's about as "real" as the "Blair Witch Project."
Whatever.
The movie producers have made the jump to a full blown career off of it, and I suppose good for them. The MTV show of the same name, does have some pretty amazing clips of dummies who will fall for just about anything on Facebook.
Like a fat chick in Redneckana, USA who can convince other women that she's really an Orlando Bloom lookalike. PLEASE, watch this clip below in it's entirety and try not to bust a gut when you see the sucker in question say her "boyfriend" is studying to be an anesthesiologist - BY TAKING ONLINE CLASSES!
Finally, you might wonder: "Why the term 'catfish'?" Well.... here's what they say...
At the turn of the century cod fish were in much demand on the east coast. News of this tasty fish spread across the country all the way to the west coast. There was however a problem. How could they get the fish across the country and still keep it fresh. They tried to freeze the fish and send it by rail, the fastest means at the time. When it was prepared it turn out to be very mushy and lacked flavor. Then someone decided to ship the fish live turning railroad cars into huge saltwater aquariums. When the cod fish arrived they were still alive but when they were prepared they were still mushy and tasteless. After studying the cod fish someone discovered that their natural enemy was the catfish. This time when the cod fish were but in the tanks they place a few catfish in with them. Those catfish chased the cod fish all the way across the country to the west coast. This time when they were prepared they were flaky and had the same flavor as they did when they were caught fresh and prepared on the east coast. You see the catfish kept the cod from becoming stale. The catfish kept them fresh.So back to Mantei T'eo. What does all this mean? What's my current theory? Well, before I go any farther, remember my "theory" on the Erin Andrews video was dead wrong. I thought it was an intentionally filmed peephole video that Andrews had sent to a boyfriend, who betrayed her and let it get out and go viral. I just could not believe a hotel would be stupid and reckless enough to allow a perv to cherry pick a room right next to a semi-famous registered guest.
I was wrong. Dead wrong. They did. Wow.
So on T'eo, my hunch right now is this. The fake girlfriend was a beard. Either a beard because he's gay, or a beard because he was a poontang-slayin', field-playin', BMOC at Notre Dame. And BOTH of those realities, did not jibe with being a humble, earnest, Mormon kid at a prominentl Catholic school.
So what may have begun as a catfishy prank, T'eo climbed on board with, and milked it for all it's worth.
I mean, it's pretty clear he was lying at some point. Certainly he lied by omission for 3 weeks after he told coaches about the "hoax" on December 26th. To not come forward right away is certainly his/their right in order to keep the focus on the game.
But a lie is a lie. That was a huge lie.
And I think T'eo lied about sending her white roses. Otherwise, I'd like to see a credit card slip and an address of the "fake" funeral home he sent them to.
But hey, it'll all end up washing out in the end. The story is too convoluted for it ALL to check out as legit.
Catfishing 101: Navigating the Depths of Online Deception
In the digital age, the virtual world offers endless possibilities for connection and interaction, yet it also presents challenges such as the deceptive practice known as "catfishing." Catfishing involves creating a fake online identity to deceive and manipulate others. As a prevalent form of online deception, understanding catfishing is essential for safeguarding oneself against emotional harm and exploitation. In this article, we delve into the world of catfishing, exploring its tactics, motivations, and providing a comprehensive guide to recognizing and addressing this phenomenon.
Understanding Catfishing:
Catfishing derives its name from the 2010 documentary "Catfish," which highlighted the story of a man who developed a romantic relationship with a woman he met online, only to discover that her identity was entirely fabricated. Catfishing typically involves a person assuming a false identity, often using someone else's photos and information, to engage with others on social media, dating platforms, or online communities. The motivations behind catfishing can vary widely, from seeking emotional validation to carrying out elaborate scams.
Tactics and Motivations:
Emotional Manipulation: Catfishers often prey on individuals' emotions, building deep connections and trust by feigning shared experiences and values. They use these emotional bonds to exploit victims for various purposes.
Romantic Deception: Many catfishers engage in romantic deception, entering online relationships with unsuspecting individuals by using stolen images and fabricated stories.
Identity Theft: Some catfishers steal personal information and photos to create fake profiles that seem authentic, potentially causing harm to the person whose identity they've stolen.
Financial Scams: Certain catfishers seek financial gain by manipulating victims into sending money, gifts, or personal information under false pretenses.
Attention Seeking: Some individuals catfish for the thrill of gaining attention, affection, or popularity that they may not experience in their real lives.
Revenge or Pranks: In some cases, catfishing may be used as a form of revenge or prank to humiliate, embarrass, or emotionally harm someone.
Recognizing Catfishing:
Recognizing catfishing involves being vigilant and cautious while engaging with individuals online. Here are some key indicators to watch for:
Too Good to Be True: If the person's story or circumstances seem excessively perfect or unlikely, it could be a red flag.
Inconsistent Information: Catfishers often slip up and provide inconsistent details about their lives, leading to contradictions in their stories.
Avoids Video Calls: A reluctance to engage in video calls or meet in person can be a sign that the person is hiding their true identity.
Limited Photos: Catfishers may only have a few photos that appear staged or overly professional.
Requests for Money or Personal Information: Be cautious if the person asks for money, financial assistance, or personal information early in the interaction.
Lack of Offline Presence: Limited presence on other social media platforms or an inability to find information about them outside of the current platform can raise suspicion.
Addressing Catfishing:
If you suspect that you're being catfished, here are steps you can take:
Research: Conduct a reverse image search to see if the photos the person is using are linked to someone else's online presence.
Limit Sharing: Avoid sharing personal information, financial details, or compromising photos with individuals you haven't met in person.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or suspicious, trust your gut feeling and proceed with caution.
Verification: Request a video call or ask for verification through other means to confirm the person's identity.
Report and Block: If you confirm someone is catfishing, report their profile to the platform administrators and block them to prevent further interaction.
FAQs about Catfishing:
Q: Can catfishing happen on professional networking platforms too?
A: Yes, catfishing is not limited to dating or social platforms. It can occur on professional networks as well, where individuals may impersonate professionals to gain access to sensitive information.
Q: What can I do if I've been a victim of catfishing?
A: If you've been a victim of catfishing, cut off communication with the catfisher, report the incident to the relevant platform, and consider reaching out to friends, family, or professionals for support.
Q: Are there legal consequences for catfishing?
A: In some cases, catfishing may be considered fraud or identity theft, leading to legal consequences for the perpetrator.
Q: Can catfishing have psychological effects on victims?
A: Yes, catfishing can have severe psychological effects on victims, including emotional trauma, feelings of betrayal, and loss of trust in online interactions.
Q: How can I protect myself from catfishing?
A: Practice caution when interacting with strangers online. Avoid sharing personal or sensitive information, be skeptical of overly perfect stories, and verify identities through video calls or other means.
:
Catfishing underscores the need for vigilance and awareness in our digital interactions. The virtual world offers opportunities for connection, but it's essential to prioritize safety and skepticism. By recognizing the signs of catfishing, being cautious with personal information, and taking steps to verify identities, individuals can navigate the online landscape with confidence, protecting themselves from emotional harm and exploitation. While the realm of catfishing may be complex and murky, awareness and informed choices can help us build meaningful connections without falling victim to deceptive tactics.
No comments:
Post a Comment