
Catfishing is therefore a form of cyberbullying because the target is harmed as the catfisher plays games with their mind. When someone only fakes a few or relatively insignificant elements of their identity, it is referred to as kitten fishing.Ĭyberbullying involves repeated attempts to embarrass, humiliate, or harm someone using online resources. The catfish meaning also often includes falsifying professions, locations, and likes and dislikes.

This often includes using a profile picture they stole from someone else to appear more attractive. Because the catfisher can hide any or all of their true identity without being questioned, people would often fake certain aspects of their profile to lure in their targets.

Catfishing has long been common in online dating forums and websites. In these instances, a catfisher may develop an identity that they feel will appeal to their catfishing target. In some cases, a single person is targeted for a catfishing attack. The catfisher then uses this identity to trick other people into associating with them or doing business online.

In some cases, a catfisher steals another individual’s complete identity-including their image, date of birth, and geographical location-and pretends that it is their own. Catfishing refers to when a person takes information and images, typically from other people, and uses them to create a new identity for themselves.
