More and more young people are sharing sad or vulnerable posts on social media. This behavior, called “sadfishing,” raises questions about the motivations and consequences of this practice.
On TikTok and Instagram, posts from young people showing depressing messages or photos of themselves in tears are multiplying. This phenomenon, called “sadfishing,” involves publicly displaying one’s sadness or emotional difficulties in order to attract attention.
Appearing in 2019, the term became popular after a publication by Kendall Jenner, where she spoke openly about her skin problems, sparked a strong reaction. Shortly after, we learned that Jenner had been paid by a brand for this publication. This episode has become emblematic of “sadfishing”, a practice where the exposure of emotions is often used to capture attention or, in certain cases, to derive material benefit.
A quest for support, especially for young people lacking social connections
According to Leslie Hodge, a clinical psychologist, many adolescents turn to sadfishing to compensate for a lack of support in real life. “If you are going through a difficult time, it is natural to seek comfort from those close to you. For some, it is even easier to confide online than in persone” she explains, interviewed by our colleagues from HLN.
However, she specifies that it is healthy to occasionally share negative aspects of your life, because it allows you to show a more authentic image of yourself. She also highlights that virtual support can have a real positive impact on well-being, as compassion and recognition online are valuable for those who feel isolated.
However, she cautions against overexposure to negative emotions, which can become a means of gaining excessive attention. “There’s a difference between occasionally expressing sadness and repeatedly posting worrying messages. This can raise many questions and should not become a goal in itself“.
Exposing one’s sadness on the networks is not without risks. “You show your vulnerability to the world, but not everyone is kind“, warns Leslie Hodge. By sharing personal messages, young people expose themselves to hostile reactions, such as hate messages or even attempts at intimidation.
How to react to sadfishing?
It’s sometimes difficult to discern whether someone is sadfishing for attention or whether they’re actually going through a difficult time. Leslie Hodge recommends adopting a benevolent attitude towards these types of publications. “It is essential to take these messages seriously and respond in an empathetic manner“, she advises.
Finally, the psychologist warns against certain malicious profiles which could exploit this type of publications: “The Internet remains a vast and sometimes dangerous space. It is important to remember that some people may pose as teenagers in distress. This makes sadfishing a potentially risky trend“, she concludes.
sadfishing youth
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