The social media critic is back in business! Did you miss me? I took a few days, I am well rested after my JLS concert and now I am back to gossip with you all! If you have been following my delightful blog, you will know that I am extremely open with my concerns surrounding social media and all that comes with it. If you have not been following my blog, you should have been, no excuses! Anywaysss, I will admit there are some positives to social media... some! The main one for you all being that you can read my blog of me complaining of course! Moving on swiftly, it is evident that social media connects millions of users around the world, allowing us to chat to people without knowing them personally through texting and phone calls. Though, if you don't know these people in the real world, how do you know that they are who they say are or are they creating this fake reality to manipulate you?
From my own personal experience, as this is all about me.... joking! Me talking to new people on social media for me has lead me into having a 4 year relationship in person. As I myself have anxiety, it allowed me to bypass any awkwardness (where possible) and just talk as my normal self without any mental restraints. However, I do know myself that there was a chance I could be talking to a catfish as anyone could be one online unfortunately. I could even be a catfish.. this could really be big Johnny from Liverpool posing as a 20 year old girl called Orlaith... though unfortunately for you all it is not as he actually sounds deadon enough. However, catfishing is real as proven through the show Catfish (wow what an original name) on MTV's 187 episodes, a show that investigates potential catfishes that are in relationships online posing as someone else. Is that as weird to you as it is me? After watching this show I am so aware of the steps that should be taken before meeting up with the person and telling them personal details that not everyone should know. Sometimes it is easy to spot someone who is a catfish, if there name is Bob Smith (no harm intended if that is your name!) with a profile picture of Tom Hardy... it is not a real person sorry! As much as we want to believe that everyone has the best intentions and won't take advantage of nice people... they will and can if allowed!
As catfishing is not illegal in the UK, it is so easily practiced "One survey revealed that around 1 in 3 people have been catfished online, and 20% of those victims actually sent money to the catfishers" Lindy, 2019). Oh God! It is very disturbing... Now I am starting to believe if the Nigeran prince who is sending me £1,000,000 is even real! What do you think??? Anywayss, Do you connect with people online who you don't know in person? If so, why? Do you have a sob story they tell you about which makes you feel sympathy towards them? Or do you just feel more comfortable talking behind a screen, like you can be yourself with no judgement? "Individuals may experience less anxiety when interacting online versus offline, allowing them to practice social skills in what feels to be a safer environment" (Arlin Cuncic, 2020). While researching this correlation, it is clear why individuals feel more at ease connecting and making friends online.
The dangers of catfishing are real. It is not just using celebrity photos or a fake name, it can ruin peoples lives. I understand that some individuals steal others photographs as their own as they struggle with low confidence, even if you have done this, remember that people like Piers Morgan exist so let that raise your confidence! But seriously, cruel human beings can steal normal, everyday people photos and names so easily and create a social media profile posing as them, who wouldn't believe it was them? What if your dream job saw these posts? "According to a survey by CareerBuilder, a full 70 percent of employers use social media to screen candidates before hiring" (Melanie Curtin, 2020). This could be your dream crushed and your chances of having something similar ruined. Surely this is extremely unfair, though unfortunately we can not do anything about it. In terms of my own experience using someone else's photo to chat to others online was back in the one direction fandom days... not posing as Ariana Grande, scamming people out of money. It is extremely important that everyone is aware that the internet and what you post is there - FOREVER! I know this as my infamous Youtube video is still up after 10 years unfortunately for me, though funny and harmless for everyone to see! (Goooo, give yourself a laugh). However, in everyday life you need to already be cautious of what you post, nevermind someone posting on 'your behalf'! The most terrifying aspect of this is, it could be someone close to you like your bestfriend... you just don't know. They could be posting horrible lies concerning you and your life actions, homophobic remarks or racism towards a coworker etc, literally anything cruel you could think of, There is no limits with what they could and would post... even that you don't enjoy watching Bake Off... we don't want that!
Lastly, some tips to stay as safe online as you can; 1. Switch all of your profiles to private from public, 2. Turn your snapchat location off and never post your real time location on social media, 3. Delete people who you are unsure are real off your platforms, 4. Never send money or meet up with individuals before facetiming them and verifying their identity, bring a friend if you still feel unsafe while meeting up in a public setting!
Excellent commentary on the pitfalls of sharing too much on social media and falling for non existent people.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Glad you enjoyed.
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