The person uses catfishing in order to appear as a better version of themselves by using a fake identity. Their primary reason to appear as a fake person is to befriend the other person for a relationship or other sexual reasons. Some online users have used catfishing to explore their gender and/or sexual identities.

What is emotional catfishing?

The person that is catfished is usually emotionally invested in the person that they believe they are talking to, leading to an imbalance in an already non-existent relationship. The consequences of the emotional and psychological damage caused by catfishing can be quite severe, leading to depression or even suicide.