If you’re a major fan of social media and find great joy in communicating within it, it’s wise to stay alert to the possibilities of catfishing in your neck of the scrolling woods. Of course, I’m not referring to the sport of catching that tasty seafood we often enjoy fried with a touch of our favorite sauce and perhaps a huge buttered baked potato and garden salad.
In our ever-expanding world of the Internet, the catfishing I’m referring to is the one where a person is lured into a relationship with a false personality, often undercover as a prank. There are many stories of people of all ages engaging in relationships with numerous identities, sometimes over years, never actually seeing the person behind the typewritten words. Some have delved deep into fantasies of love relationships while possibly communicating with anyone from age 19 to 90, male or female. Not to mention, some have been scammed for thousands of dollars because of being too naive or gullible regarding the possibilities of fictitious behavior on the web.
Today, I’m highlighting this topic as I recently pondered just how influential catfishing can be to someone’s life and the need to always discern the difference between virtual and authentic communication. Not to say one can’t communicate virtually with someone honestly, but that engagement must be proven to be a reality to be deemed safe.
I am urging you to keep in mind that the securest way to communicate with someone realistically is in person, face-to-face, not “almost” but entirely. That’s if you truly desire to know and be known by that person. Be aware that anything you encounter over the Internet should only be taken as factual if proven. Otherwise, it should be taken with a grain of salt. However, if there is greater interest, investigate its legitimacy.
Stay safe out on the World Wide Web! Sometimes, there’s darkness where we may only desire light.
Ms. Rita's Minute 