Online dating has increased popularity over the last decade. This has led to catfishing which has been defined as an act of social defiance using the online media. Deviance is any behavior that violates the expected social norms and rules. Any attempt at using a false identity in social media in violation of the social standards. It is a selfish act since one should consider the potential hurts that his/her lies could cause others. Despite the increase in the number of catfishers, it violates the social norms hence it is a social deviance whenever false life experiences and personalities are portrayed in social media.
Most people use fake accounts to spark an online relationship. This is aimed at targeting unsuspecting victims to fall in love. Additionally, the accounts are intended to deceive someone to extract easy money. When one make friends online and fall in love, it will be easier to extort money from them. Similarly, low self-esteem especially the introverts are motivated to catfish for fun and to feel motivated. These instances can be related to the control theory of deviance. This is because the inner and outer controls such as integrity, conscience, friends, or police may force one to act in deviant ways. Heteronormativity views heterosexuality as the only acceptable sexual form. Individuals who do not adhere to these norms will be under pressure in such societies. Therefore, they will tend to use fake accounts to hide their gender identity. In an episode of Catfish from MTV, season 5 portrays a male character was in a relationship but had an intention of moral correctness. He, therefore, lured unfaithful men by pretending to be a beautiful, empathetic girl to rectify their ethical behaviors.
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