What is “sad fishing”? OU expert explains the social media trend

Social Media trends develop quickly, and one of the latest that win teenagers in harmony with the tract is “sad fishing”. Dr. Brenda Lloyd-Jones from the University of Oklahoma came to the therapy segment on Thursday from 6 to news to explain what it means and why parents should be aware of it.

Understand sad fishing

Sad fishing occurs when individuals exaggerate or dramatize their emotional battles on social media.

“There is really a shadow on their emotional fights on social media,” said Lloyd-Jones. “The goal is to achieve sympathy, attention and even validation.”

How it is compared to cat fishing

While many are familiar with “cat fishing” that contain an online fake through false identities, the sad fishing is different, but has similar concerns.

“Catfishing is about deception and identity fraud, while sad fishing is about exaggerated emotional stress to attract attention from others,” said Lloyd-Jones.

She warned that constant exaggerations of emotional problems on social media could lead to people to ignore real screams for help. “It's almost like the boy who called wolf. When do we pay attention to if you want to exaggerate your emotional well -being or problems? “She said.

What parents should do

Lloyd-Jones emphasized how important parents were emotionally available to their children so that they do not turn to social media to have confirmation.

“Parents, keys to your children. Make sure you know that you are emotionally available to you, ”she advised.

For parents who suspect that their children deal with sad fishing, open conversations about healthy emotional expression and mental well -being are of essential importance.