“Catfished”: Learning to Communicate in a Social Media Age
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how our means of communicating with one another are changing drastically. And what sort of consequences come from this transitionary phase of communication? What immediately comes to mind is the movie Catfish, and the subsequent MTV reality show of the same name. For those of you not familiar with the Catfish phenomenon, here is the movie trailer:
In the MTV show, the host Nev investigates other suspicious online relationships and usually the one who seeks out Nev finds out that their love interest is not who they thought they were. Either they are hiding something like their gender, or true identity, or sexuality, every show is a strange look into how Facebook is being used to give some people new identities.
However, the majority of social media users aren’t being duped into falling for complete strangers via social media. On a much more mundane level, we are instead reconnecting with old flames and finding new ones. Recently, a friend of mine got back in touch with an ex-boyfriend from high school. They talk online for awhile before taking their conversations to texts and after only two months she decided to go visit him in Alaska.
What she found there wasn’t the attentive and charming personality that she’d conversed with online. Instead he was a rude, disrespectful drunk. While he was at least the same person she’d talked to through Facebook, he was also completely different than he’d come across. So that leads me to the question, how well do we really know the people we are getting to know through Facebook? Even if these people aren’t complete strangers, what exactly do we lose when we choose to communicate through social media instead of face-to-face?
More than this, what does communicating through social media mean for the future of interpersonal communication as a whole? Nonverbal communication with morph into something else entirely. Instead of facial cues it will be emoji cues. Rather than body language we will dissect response times and the amount of “lols” used. So whether the future is bright or not remains to be seen, but it is without question that we are experiencing a paradigm shift in communication.
April 15th, 2013 at 4:11 am
Mia I completely agree with the fact that social media interactions have changed the face-to-face communication we experience today. It seems so easy for people to act one way online or through text and another way in person. While we need to stay social savvy within most communication career-fields, we also need to know how to facilitate effective communication outside of social-media sites. Great insight!
April 15th, 2013 at 10:34 pm
I think this post brings up some very valuable points. I have to say that most of my communications now take place digitally. I had to write out an envelope the other day and my first step was to google “how to write out an envelope”. Face to face interactions or even phone conversations are becoming a rarity. I for one hate talking on the phone. I rather just text. But this definitely gets rid of a certain level of intimacy that was afford to us because or real time interactions. Looking at the generation of up and coming youngsters, things are really only getting worse. How many “real” relationships are possible when you have 1,000+ friends on Facebook? Do they actually know all of these people. I remember in interpersonal communication we were taught that there is only a limited amount of relationships a person is able to maintain. There is definitely going to be a shift in the ways humans interact. And I think it’s becoming rather impersonal and cold. Just like a computer.
April 16th, 2013 at 2:20 am
I loved this post! Similar to the comments above, it brought so many interesting points. I completely related to the whole nonverbal going away. I am all about emojis and telling stories with them. There’s like an emoji for everything. That’s kind of scary though too. Loved the post. Hope to read more soon!
April 16th, 2013 at 8:42 pm
I have watched many episodes of MTV’s Catfish and every episode is unexpected. You never know if someone is putting up a front or not. I have heard that you can’t always believe what you read on the Internet many times. By this new means of communication, anyone can fake or distort who they really are. I think about this very often with texting and how easy it is to build a relationship with another person. Though my problem is that people don’t communicate the same way when face-to-face. The person you have been texting might not seem as dreamy or thoughtful, but shy and/or reserved instead. You brought up so many valuable points, like asimmon says. I enjoyed reading and thinking about your new post, Mia. Thanks.
April 16th, 2013 at 8:47 pm
Thanks everyone! You all bring up valuable points and it is encouraging to see that this is a concern of mine that is widely shared. The way we communicate is definitely changing and being able to recognize that is the first step to figuring out how to navigate our way through communicating in a digital age.
April 20th, 2013 at 1:49 am
Mia,
This is such an insightful post and I couldn’t agree more. I wrote a similar post just a couple of weeks ago, also discussing MTV’s “Catfish.” Just thinking about how much social media has already changed for our generation, I can’t even imagine what it will be like in 10 years! How ofter do people have Facebook friends that they chat with online, but don’t even exchange a subtle smile with while passing by in “real life.”
This posts definitely stirs thoughts and discussions. I personally think that the communication shift we have experienced in real life as a result of online communication is very sad. Don’t get me wrong online networking and conversing is great, and very valuable, but we should without a doubt be able to differentiate between the two.
-Mhairi
May 16th, 2013 at 2:56 pm
This is a very good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate information… Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read article!
May 7th, 2015 at 10:46 am
Great post. This article is really very interesting and enjoyable. I think its must be helpful and informative for us. Thanks for sharing your nice post. i am All Social Service provider. I am selling those service on, please take a look Buy Instagram Followers
September 4th, 2022 at 7:30 am
very goood . thanks
حمل بار به ایلام
September 4th, 2022 at 7:31 am
thank you
باربری نیسان کرمانشاه
May 7th, 2015 at 10:47 am
Thanks for your great post. This post obviously very helpful. Already I’m bookmark this website. Again Thanks . If you update your Social account, please visit http://buyfastlike.com
July 6th, 2016 at 2:20 am
You are awesome. I always love the show. But most of the episode is unexpected. Even its very hard to believe that. Maybe many people agree with me. However, i enjoy that. I am waiting for your new post. Thanks, Nice post. Global Like
September 16th, 2016 at 7:16 am
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author. I will remember to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back very soon. Go to best social plan for get more related topic. Have a nice evening!
September 4th, 2022 at 7:31 am
very nice
نیسان بار همدان
October 27th, 2016 at 6:26 am
I truly esteem your carry out the occupation and tips determined by you is useful to me.Harvard Case Study Solution I will impart this subtle elements to my relatives and companions.
September 4th, 2022 at 7:33 am
thank a lot – very nice
اتوبار کاشانک
November 7th, 2016 at 6:28 am
Exercise is one chief means to burn lots of calories. Intensive exercise for small periods is the best method to burn fat. My Bikini Belly reviews
December 29th, 2016 at 12:07 am
Hey! Thanks for your great Sharing! I quite enjoyed to reading it, you are a real blogger. I will bookmark it and will eventually come back and read your new post. Go to Buy Facebook Website Likes. Have a nice time!
January 23rd, 2017 at 10:32 am
Awsome site ! I am loving it ! Will come back again. I am taking your feeds also
Health
March 11th, 2017 at 7:07 am
Many thanks for the great posting. I am glad I have taken the time to see this
keep up the excellent work 😉
فیلم برتر
July 28th, 2017 at 9:01 pm
Thank You for sharing your good information. Small business web design
September 20th, 2017 at 12:11 am
I appreciate it!. I really like it when people get together and share ideas. Great website, continue the good work!.
bloons tower defense 5
September 20th, 2017 at 12:12 am
Either way, great web and I look forward to seeing it grow over time. Thank you so much.
super smash flash 2
March 21st, 2018 at 12:00 pm
Hello! The blog or and best that is extremely useful to keep I can share the ideas of the future as this is really what I was looking for, I am very comfortable and pleased to come here. Thank you!
Yf you want can play on Friv – shooting-action games
December 10th, 2018 at 1:39 pm
Modern day technology has revolutionized almost everything that we know today. And education isn’t different from any other industry. Best Assignment Writers
March 6th, 2019 at 4:08 pm
Cool video! What a sweet boy in the video. I was the same when I was in his ages. By the way, if you need a writer to write a short description for this bideo, feel free to contact a top-notch company https://qualityessay.com/.
March 13th, 2019 at 12:53 pm
Students always struggling with lack of time and inspiration. So it’s important to get some ideas and motivation to write good papers. But if you are not sure you can do your assignment by yourself of high quality then you may contact https://topwritingservice.com/buy-interview-essay/ and be sure you will get your paper on time and written by experts.
March 16th, 2019 at 3:00 am
That’s nice video. It’s inspiring hotmail login
April 8th, 2019 at 8:31 am
This is very interesting information. Thank for sharing. For sure your suggestions will help me with madalin stunt cars 2
April 8th, 2019 at 8:35 am
I agree with your opinion .Hope you share many things.
potty racers 2
April 9th, 2019 at 7:20 am
Thank for your writting. It has a lot of knowledge that I need the impossible quiz
April 18th, 2019 at 4:10 am
Your opinion is good, I will refer to it
atari breakout
April 18th, 2019 at 4:13 am
They talk online for awhile before taking their conversations to texts and after only two months she decided to go visit him in Alaska atari breakout
April 20th, 2019 at 4:48 pm
I visit your full website properly. Thank you for giving your good information.
How To Prepare Spaghetti Wrapped Paneer Tasty and Easy Spaghetti Recipe
May 24th, 2019 at 7:26 am
Thanks for your insight for your fantastic posting. I’m glad I have taken the time to see this
bomb it 5
May 24th, 2019 at 7:27 am
great post. i like it. feeling great when reading your post
return man 3
May 28th, 2019 at 8:08 pm
I visit your full website properly. I know about the importance of health. Thank you for giving your good information.
How to grow Dragon fruit from seed
June 24th, 2019 at 8:00 am
I really like visiting your site because I think your posts are amazing. Thanks a lot for sharing them bonk io
July 5th, 2019 at 3:43 am
Every time I have free time I sit looking for articles to read. I feel very interested in your article. It is written in a natural way, not too long but still has enough details and situations. I will visit your blog more, geometry dash happy new day!
July 10th, 2019 at 3:24 am
That is one important information for me.
facebook baixar gratis
July 10th, 2019 at 3:25 am
Great post,Thanks for providing us this great knowledge,Keep it up.
happy wheels
September 24th, 2019 at 2:56 pm
Stry re post your article on this site, they accept posts like reddit.
October 4th, 2019 at 3:55 am
I am very happy to have found this information that I have been looking for.
happy room
December 14th, 2019 at 7:20 am
I think it is a good idea, I have thought of it but not as detailed as you.
atari breakout
January 3rd, 2020 at 4:24 am
The article you have shared here very awesome. I really like and appreciated your work
http://bit.ly/31P2yWs
March 21st, 2020 at 1:52 am
Thank you for your post visit page, I look for such article along time, today i find it finally. this post give me lots of advise it is very useful for me
April 24th, 2020 at 4:04 am
Great knowledge and I want to share this type of information with my friends and hope they like it apkxyz
June 14th, 2020 at 11:22 pm
I found a lot of information here to create this actually best for all newbie here. Thank you for this information.install mx player
June 17th, 2020 at 11:27 pm
This article is really fantastichttp. thanks for sharing the valuable post.
download vidmate apkxyz
June 22nd, 2020 at 6:56 am
I totally agree with that view because of the fact that social media interactions have changed face-to-face communication that we experience today
máy phát điện công nghiệp
June 22nd, 2021 at 6:36 pm
Un diseño web optimizado para móviles no solo se trata de ajustar el contenido al tamaño de las pantallas y redimensionar automáticamente las imágenes. Es más bien un enfoque totalmente nuevo para el diseño de páginas web. Debido a la rápida adopción de Tablets y Smartphones, los diseñadores de sitios web han querido eliminar la necesidad de desarrollar un diseño diferente para cada nuevo dispositivo.
July 16th, 2022 at 8:27 am
Thank you very much for writing such an interesting article on this topic. This has really made me think and I hope to read more. Add Detail with Table Decor
September 4th, 2022 at 12:31 pm
Thank you
September 4th, 2022 at 12:33 pm
That is one important information for me.
حمل بار به اهواز
September 5th, 2022 at 11:30 am
باربری اراک
October 8th, 2022 at 1:29 pm
ارسال بار به ازمیر
December 30th, 2022 at 7:56 am
بسته بندی کردن اثاثیه منزل
May 18th, 2023 at 2:20 am
Good article, thanks for sharing. Bộ lưu điện Hyundai
July 27th, 2023 at 4:20 pm
Rotary tool bits are essential accessories for anyone using a rotary tool. These small, versatile attachments play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality and efficiency of the tool. With various types of rotary tool bits available, users can tackle a wide range of tasks and applications.rotary tool bits
November 7th, 2023 at 12:34 pm
Nonverbal communication with morph into something else entirely
ارسال بار به زوریخ
November 7th, 2023 at 12:36 pm
thanks a lot for sharing
ارسال بار به زوریخ
November 7th, 2023 at 12:37 pm
this blog is the best blog
جاذبه های گردشکری بوداپست
December 19th, 2023 at 1:05 pm
hello
this is very nice blog
thanks a lot
مجله خبری جوان آنلاین
January 8th, 2024 at 11:30 am
this is such a nice blog
thankas
مجله خبری مسیر آنلاین
February 4th, 2024 at 11:51 am
this is very nice and cool blog
thanks a lot
مجله خبری تدبیرگران
February 18th, 2024 at 11:48 am
Debido a la rápida adopción de Tablets y Smartphones, los diseñadores de sitios web han querido eliminar la necesidad de desarrollar un diseño diferente para cada nuevo dispositivo.
مجله خبری روز آنلاین
March 11th, 2024 at 11:55 am
Es más bien un enfoque totalmente nuevo para el diseño de páginas webپارتیشن شیشه ای