Are fetishes genuine or made up nowadays?

Some fetishes are genuine, and the most serious ones fit all clinical criteria for mental disorders listed by authorities like DSM-5 etc.

But it's a question of degrees, and there are lots of gray areas. Confusion is common. It's popular for people in online chat groups & social media platforms (like SW) to exaggerate particular feelings and say they have "a fetish" for something - when in fact what they're talking about is usually a personal [i]preference[/i], or sexual "soft kink".

It's important to understand the difference. True fetishes are connected to uncontrolled compulsions that can be psychologically disabling. They often require treatment. Preferences, tastes, and even some sexually kinky behaviors are usually matters of personal choice. And they're generally safer, less harmful, and can even be fun.

I think I know which is which, based on my own experience and curiousity.