How Do You Feel About Catfish?

Catfishing is when someone sets up a fake online identity and uses it to trick and control others.

I pretty much assume everyone on SW is not who they say they are. As long as we're enjoying the conversation and you are not trying to control me, I have no need to find out if you are who you say you are. I feel like I am probably in the minority on this.

I am really me. It's 2024, there are a million ways to verify. I would have no problem setting up a video chat so someone could know that I'm me. But ten years ago, I was stuck in a straight relationship I couldn't be fully present in. I was overwhelmed and miserable. I needed an anonymous space where I could escape and pretend to be someone else. That became the catalyst for me figuring out who I really am.

So I get it. I have a TON of grace for people pretending to be someone they are not. But please don't confuse me playing along with thinking I believe you.

What do you think about SWeeps pretending to be someone they aren't?

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DHggmu · 31-35, M

I get it to a point, using an online platform to express yourself in ways you can’t really in your real life. But when it comes to manipulating others that’s when it’s a problem for me.

I like to be anonymous to a point, unless I talk with someone for a decent amount of time. But I am pretty much how who I am both here and in my day to day life. Some thoughts and feelings I find better to express to strangers online, that’s about it.

ShadowSister · 46-50, F

@DHggmu

Some thoughts and feelings I find better to express to strangers online

So weird how we can be much more vulnerable and honest when we are anonymous. You can end up being super connected to someone you've never even met irl.

DHggmu · 31-35, M

@ShadowSister Exactly, somewhere like this you can usually find someone who understands you perfectly. And there’s almost safety net of opening up with little consequence.