If you’ve ever used a social networking app to look for love ― or just a little action ― you’ve probably encountered a catfish or two along the way.
The term was originally coined by a 2010 documentary of the same name about a woman who used stolen photos and videos to trick a man into a relationship, which in turn inspired an MTV reality TV show [of the same name ]that chronicles the motivations of these individuals and the consequences of their lies.
YouTube star Davey Wavey has experienced his fair share of catfish and decided to put out a call on Facebook in hopes of “catching” one to learn more about what inspires people to mislead others in this specific 21st century way.
”What are these men getting out of it?” Wavey asked in a statement sent to The Huffington Post. “And because they probably don’t think of themselves as terrible people, how do they justify what they do? While the tendency is to be angry or irritated and to write these deceptive men off, I couldn’t help but think that there must be a bigger story here.”
After “a few dozen emails,” Wavey headed to New York City to meet “Francis” and shoot the video featured above.
“As a heavy gay man in a community that often defines beauty in a limiting and exclusive way, ‘Francis’ feels invisible,” Wavey said. “And by using images of so-called ‘gorgeous’ men, he’s able to live a fantasy. He’s able to feel what it’s like to be desired.”
It’s clear from “Francis’” interview that when it comes to catfishing, ultimately, no one really wins, but there are lessons to be learned.
“Rather than be angry or outraged at these men for wasting our time or playing games, it may be more productive to question the role that each of us (myself included!) plays in making these men feel invisible,” Wavey noted.
For more from Davey Wavey, visit his YouTube page.
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