CATFISHING has become a subject of great discussion these days. With the recent stories publicising the Internet hoax, this presents a perfect opportunity for all of us to educate ourselves on the dangers both adults and kids face online.

Teenagers and young adults often dismiss the warnings of their parents and other authority figures about meeting and talking with people on the Internet. They feel as though nothing bad could ever happen to them, when the reality is that it could, and they may never realise it’s happening until the damage has been done.

Catfishing is an extended branch of online harassment that takes cruelty to a new level. It may surprise the extent a person will go to hurt you. Catfishing is entirely dependent on that person’s morality.

It can be done by unexpected predators; maybe a disgruntled client, a former ‘friend’, an ex-boyfriend, or even a paedophile. Maybe they don’t share your beliefs, or they’re getting revenge for something you did to them. It could even be that they just don’t like you or they’re just setting out to harm you for no reason other than their personal gratification.

The damage catfishing can cause is extensive.

The emotional and physical turmoil a person can go through when they are a victim of a ruse like catfish can be the catalyst in that person becoming a social outcast, having a mental breakdown or even committing suicide.

For adults, especially for professionals and business owners, catfishing can be both financially and emotionally lethal.

While it can be deadly to careers and reputations, it can be even more harmful to young lives when aimed at teens and adolescents already struggling with puberty.

Many online predators target children who seem to be the victims of bullying. They listen to them, encourage and comfort them. They appear to be true friends until the fateful moment when fake friendship turns into abuse.

Sometimes catfishing is done to you by someone who you know and consider a friend. Most times this person’s motives are to publicly humiliate you and to sully your reputation. When catfishing is done by a paedophile it can result in that child being kidnapped, molested and/or raped.

Be cautious when it comes to meeting people online, don’t set yourself up for the emotional, financial or physical pain that catfishing can cause.

— Di-Andra Brown