One recent ruling, however, can help us understand how the law treats deception in romantic relationships. This is largely because UK law does not currently offer any provision for most victims of catfishing. He could even find another victim if he wants.

While Connor’s actions had a real, tangible effect on Erika’s life, he won’t face any consequences. Separately, one 2020 study of around 1,000 adults in the US – and published in the Sexual and Relationship Therapy journal – found that people with an anxious attachment style are more likely to catfish, in a bid to “exert more control over their self-presentation, make themselves more desirable, and ultimately limit the potential of relational disappointment”. Meanwhile, one respondent said they posed as the opposite gender online to explore their own sexuality. Around one-third reported hiding behind a fake profile because they felt dissatisfied with their own appearance, while two-thirds said they used their fake persona as a form of escapism from their real lives. The study found that 41 per cent took part in the practice because they were lonely and wanted someone to talk to.

One study carried out by the University of Queensland, Australia surveyed 27 self-confessed catfish from around the world. Research around why people catfish and how they choose their victims is limited. We’d make another plan, and then he’d bail again. “He’d say ‘obviously I’m going to meet you I really want to see you’. “He called me and said he was on his way, but kept delaying it, delaying it, delaying it,” Erika recalls. But her suspicions were raised further when he kept cancelling planned in-person meetings. Erika asked Connor if he was being genuine with her, and he insisted he was. Then doubts set in.Ĭonnor followed fewer than 50 people, but had more than 500 followers himself, many of whom seemed to only post stock images and spam. They’d text every morning and phone one another at night, Connor sharing deeply personal parts of his life.

Then long, flirtatious conversations and an exchange of numbers. He’d followed her on Instagram, and the pair began chatting.

Persona come on stupid game