By Jillian Hammell
Assistant Features Editor
Love at first sight may be achievable for some, but how about when that first glance is discovered within one of your Internet tabs? The glance may lead to a casual Facebook stalking frenzy, which is acceptable within today’s generation.
Yet when that sudden interest kindles a serious relationship, the hopeful fairytale can skew the perception of reality. Our reliance on social media to develop personal feelings and intimate relationships has led to the downfall of this generation.
MTV’s “Catfish: The TV Show” reveals false identities hiding behind the computer screen.
According to the show, a catfish is defined as “to pretend to be someone you’re not online by posting false information with the intention of getting someone to fall in love with you.”
On a past episode of “Catfish,” Jarrod, a single dad, falls in love with a beautiful blonde named Abby online. They developed a close and intimate relationship. However, Abby refused to meet Jarrod in person. When Abby finally agreed to meet Jarrod (with video cameras and a television crew present), she was not the woman she claimed to be. After a year and a half of speaking, Jarrod discovered that “Abby” did not exist.
At the end of every episode, the lovable host, Nev Schulman, confronts the culprits behind the fake identities. Abby (whose real name is Melissa) mentioned that her motive behind creating a false profile was to gain male attention. She believed men would not accept her naturally plump physique.
The Internet and social media have made a huge impact on this generation. Increasingly advanced technology has led people to become different characters online. The lack of confidence that revolves around today’s youth can be the explanation behind such extremes. These people who pose as models, actors and successful businesspeople, are not happy with themselves both on the inside and out. Instead, they hide within the vague realm of the World Wide Web.
Yes, the catfish is guilty. However, the victim’s oblivious nature should not be pitied. If a person does not want to connect on Skype, meet in person or talk on the phone, chances are they are hiding something. There are evident reasons as to why they are avoiding these types of contact.
Most likely because it is the Internet and regardless of where you come from, who you know and what you’re truly like, you can change that all within one click: “Submit Information.” If only there was a pop-up that said, “Wait! Stop! Accept yourself for who you are, this is unnecessary.” But sadly, no such thing exists.
“Catfish: The TV Show” represents average people around the nation who become consumed in online relationships and are blinded by an outstanding profile. Without questioning the profiles’ legitimacy, people fall in love and eventually fall into the trap.
Confidence needs to be restored within the minds and hearts of today’s generation. Rather than creating a false identity and ending up on Catfish, people need to embrace their flaws, their beauty and everything they have to offer.
Truth is beautiful. Lies are deceiving. And a catfish is just plain fishy.
