Surely almost every Internet user has seen emotional, personal posts of acquaintances and strangers on social networks. Today, posting personal and emotional information is called Sadfishing, which in English means “sad fishing”. The term was coined in early 2019 by writer Rebecca Reed. By sadfishing, Reed defines the publication of sensitive, emotional personal content on the Internet, the purpose of which is to gain attention or sympathy from the Internet community. In fact, many of us sometimes do sadfishing and that's okay. Seeking attention is perfectly legitimate. However, frequent posting of such content can indicate mental problems.
Sadfishing, zombing, ghosting, etc. are relatively new concepts, which indicates the lack of research on this behavior on the Internet. Nevertheless, according to psychologists, frequent posting of emotional and personal information, that is, sadfishing, speaks of low self-esteem, loneliness, narcissism, or Machiavellianism (the desire to manipulate other people). At the same time, it is not so easy to understand the true motives of users of social networks after reading their messages. Some of the posts are meant to really discuss an important or sensitive issue like depression or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Other users can simply share information, regardless of what kind of response it might collect. And someone is engaged in sadfishing solely in order to provoke readers.
Attempts to attract attention
While we may all be sadfished from time to time, it is mostly celebrities who come across negative reactions from users, especially if they have shared personal details about their problem. Negative comments often turn into hostile ones, and as a result, many celebrities become victims of online bullying. But what impact does even surveillance of online abuse have on users? In the study, which was published in the journal Computer in Human Behavior, researchers asked subjects to read celebrity Twitter posts, some of which were emotionally negative. They were then asked to rate whether celebrities were to blame for the negative comments they received. Research has shown that how a person perceives the severity of online abuse depends on howWhether the user is suffering from narcissism, Machiavellianism, or psychopathy. These qualities form the so-called "dark triad". The researchers concluded that people with pronounced dark triad traits are less sympathetic to celebrities.
Thus, a person endowed with pronounced signs of the dark triad is more likely to find posts less reliable or even sadfishing. Moreover, he may turn out to be a sadfisher himself. The fact is that such people are more likely to exhibit behavior that requires attention. But just like in the real world, bait can reflect a deeper problem, such as a personality disorder. Thus, histrionic personality disorder is characterized by a high need for attention and begins at an early age. Such people are overly needy of approval, dramatic, love to exaggerate and crave appreciation.
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What content should not be posted on social media?
Public disclosure of confidential or highly personal information can lead to an incomprehensible person. Falsely blaming someone that they are sad when they are sincerely asking for help rather than demanding attention can have a profound effect on that person's health. But people who deliberately “hunt” should be aware that their actions can potentially affect the well-being of others. Posting deeply emotional content, such as those about serious health issues, can cause anxiety, physical or mental stress in readers. While social media can provide people with an opportunity to talk about their mental health or other concerns, it's important to know that certain posts can do more harm than good.
Researchers agree that social media users should carefully consider what information they share and with whom. For those who really need help, it may be worth reaching out to loved ones privately, as they can provide the necessary support or share their own experiences. It is also important not to forget about the benefits of professional psychological help. However, despite the new term, sadfishing is another way to get attention. At the same time, such a search can have a negative impact on both the sadfisher himself and his subscribers.
Lyubov Sokovikova
