We covered some internet slang like rage baiting, jobfishing, and coffee badging to help understand the changing world of technology. This time around, we will discuss another internet slang called “sadfishing,” or “the act of posting about your emotional problems online for attention or personal gain.” This has been a common occurrence in social media. Even celebrities like Kendall Jenner have been accused of sadfishing before. That is how that slang word came to be.
Sadfishing and mental health
What differentiates sadfishing from the feeling of sadness is the intent. Posting about negative feelings to get more views and clicks can be seen by others as a manipulative tactic. These posts usually aim to gain more engagement and public sympathy. In some instances, these kinds of stories are exaggerated, or even worse, false, to the extent of being absurd. Admittedly, it can be hard to determine whether a post constitutes sadfishing. In truth, accusing someone of the act may have harmful effects on a person’s mental health.
A Psychologist Explains ‘Sadfishing’—The Art Of Performative Suffering
Sadfishing refers to the act of exaggerating or falsifying one’s emotional problems for attention and sympathy.https://t.co/dgkMEN2Ulq
— Free Black Moms (@freeblackmoms) August 21, 2024
It’s normal for people to seek validation from peers and family, especially teenagers who tend to share their feelings and emotions online. Turning to sadfishing may also indicate other underlying mental health struggles. According to a study, sadfishing has been linked to anxiety, depression, and attention-seeking. This shows that a person who needs attention but does not get it in real life from immediate family and peers tends to find it online instead. It can be seen as acts done to compensate for the low offline support a person is getting.
The risk of cyberbullying
Although sadfishing may be viewed as an annoying tactic to boost a person’s social media presence, extreme cases of backlash can escalate to cyberbullying. Other people often treat their social media accounts as diaries. In some cases, what may have been regarded as sadfishing posts may be cries for help or clear signs of someone’s mental health struggle. Even Rebecca Reid, the person who allegedly coined the term, aired her guilt about the resulting behavior of others.
Um, I made up the term sadfishing and now I feel really guilty. It was certainly never intended to be used to stop being sharing their feelings online, only to comment on celebrities deliberately withholding information for their own gain. https://t.co/B2KjeGKzJY
— Rebecca Reid (@RebeccaCNReid) October 1, 2019
Most of the time, it can be hard to differentiate what is real and what is not on the internet. After all, everyone can present themselves differently with just a few taps and clicks online. What we do know for sure is that kindness always goes a long way. When unsure about a person’s character, life, and struggle, having an open mind and broader perspective can’t hurt. Treating others how we want to be treated is a good act applicable offline and online.
YouTube: ‘Sadfishing’ social media trend could point to bigger issues
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Photo Credit: The feature image is symbolic and has been done by Vlad Patana.
Sources: Dictionary / Rebecca Reid (Metro) / BiomedCentral
