Behind the mask: analyzing the drivers and impacts of catfishing

Abstract

The rapid expansion of social media has significantly altered interpersonal communication dynamics, introducing both opportunities and risks. One growing concern is ‘catfishing,’ where individuals create false online identities to deceive others emotionally or financially. Despite its severity, particularly in Bangladesh, there is limited understanding of catfishing’s demographic influences, psychological effects, and preventive measures. This research explores these dimensions through a mixed-methods approach, integrating survey data from 343 participants and qualitative interviews with 26 victims. Findings reveal that younger, digitally inexperienced users, especially women, are highly susceptible to catfishing, suffering substantial emotional distress and financial losses. The study further demonstrates gaps in digital literacy, insufficient preventive measures, and inadequate reporting mechanisms. Addressing these insights, a design proposal integrating trust scores, verification prompts, emotional manipulation warnings, and simplified reporting is presented, contributing significantly to user security and awareness. This research underscores the critical need for targeted digital education and robust platform safety measures in Bangladesh.