What is Sadfishing?
The term “sadfishing” was coined by writer Rebecca Reid in a 2019 article, describing emotional posts on social media that appear to seek mass support. This neologism, derived from “catfishing” (creating a false online identity) by replacing “cat” with “sad,” refers to using sadness as bait to attract emotional attention.
Sadfishing goes beyond expressing emotions online, which is entirely valid and human. It points to a more strategic or exaggerated use of suffering, generating a response from the digital environment: likes and supportive comments, interactions that reinforce the behavior.
A Need for Being Seen (and Validated)
Psychologically, sadfishing can be understood as a form of social validation seeking. In environments where self-esteem is constructed, at least partially, through others’ responses, displaying vulnerability can be a strategy to feel seen, loved, or understood—a way to request emotional support and affectionate recognition.
This need relates to the concept of “emotional support system” or “containment support”: the ability of the environment (in this case, digital) to embrace emotional expression without judgment and with empathy. Thus, belonging arises not only from connection but also from the shared recognition of vulnerability.
Some research also indicates that this emotional use of social media is linked to the need for emotional regulation and more anxious attachment styles. This suggests that the relationship between emotions and digital platforms is profound and warrants clinical and educational attention.
There’s also a cultural component. In the digital era, many people have grown up narrating their lives online. Sharing emotions, even painful ones, becomes an extension of that narrative. The boundaries between the public and private, authentic and performative, become blurred.
Authenticity or Emotional Strategy?
Sadfishing raises complex questions about authenticity. Some cases may appear manipulative or exaggerated, but judging intentions in a digital environment is difficult. What one observer might perceive as dramatization could be a genuine way for the poster to process their emotions.
From a psychological perspective, it’s important to consider the context and frequency. If someone frequently posts emotionally charged content to elicit reactions, they might be engaging in an unhealthy emotional regulation pattern. However, if it’s a one-time expression during a difficult time, it could be seen as a valid form of catharsis.
Psychological Risks
While sharing emotions can be liberating, sadfishing also poses risks. One is vulnerable emotional exposure in contexts lacking empathy. The internet doesn’t always respond with care. Those who share their distress may become targets of mockery, disbelief, or even harassment.
Another risk is dependency on external reactions. When emotional relief depends exclusively on digital responses, it weakens one’s ability for self-regulated emotional management. This can reinforce a cycle where the person needs to post to vent, creating a form of “intermittent reward” similar to other addictive behaviors.
This mechanism is also present in compulsive social media use. Neuroscience studies have shown that these platforms activate the same reward circuits as other behavioral addictions, especially through intermittent social reinforcement (likes and comments). These studies explain that this type of unpredictable feedback fosters repetitive, hard-to-control behavior.
Moreover, sadfishing can trivialize serious mental health issues. When everything becomes content, there’s a risk of reducing suffering to an aesthetic narrative or personal brand. Some experts have warned about the dangers of “hyperemotional visibility” among adolescents on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
A Hyperconnected Emotional Culture
We live in a culture where emotionality has become visible, shareable, and often monetizable. Sadfishing reflects this transformation; it’s not a pathological phenomenon in itself but mirrors how platforms have altered our emotional connections and relationships with others.
The key lies in fostering emotional literacy that distinguishes healthy expression from digital dependence. It also involves promoting spaces (online and offline) where vulnerability isn’t a desperate strategy but a safe, contained possibility.
Sadfishing reminds us that behind screens are people seeking relief, connection, or simply to be heard. As a digital society, we need to stop quickly judging how others express their distress and instead initiate more empathetic conversations about emotional support in these hyperconnected times.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is sadfishing? Sadfishing is a term coined by Rebecca Reid to describe the strategic use of emotional content on social media to seek mass support and validation.
- Why do people engage in sadfishing? It can be a way to seek social validation, regulate emotions, or cope with mental health issues. The digital environment’s role in shaping self-esteem and emotional expression contributes to this behavior.
- What are the risks of sadfishing? Risks include vulnerable emotional exposure, dependency on digital reactions, and the potential trivialization of serious mental health issues. It can also reinforce unhealthy emotional regulation patterns and contribute to compulsive social media use.
- How can we address sadfishing? Promoting emotional literacy and creating safe spaces for vulnerability, both online and offline, can help distinguish healthy expression from digital dependence.
