The film makes the claim that relationships have changed because of the internet. Social networking sites have created a new foundation for how people can connect, but in some cases, the people we meet are not who they seem. New (potential) danger has been brought into the world because of how easily people can create false identities. Regulations should be enforced on these websites to ensure the safety of all who use them.
In 2009, Philip Markoff committed three robberies, killing one victim. He became known as the Craiglist Killer as he met these women through Craigslist.com. Using websites to give meet people on false pretenses is wrong, especially if there violent. But, the formation of these websites allows this to happen. It’s becoming more common for bad guys to connect with people on these sites. More often, assaults are connected back to a social networking site. For years, young people have been educated on “stranger danger” but today that stranger, it seems, has changed his/her form. This stranger can appear to be attractive, kind and intelligent. But it could be all a lie, as in Yaniv’s experience. As a society, we trust the Internet to inform us, to let us share our opinions, to connect. But that trust can not and should not extend to every use of the Internet. People need to be informed on the importance of privacy. If social networking site users keep their profiles available only to friends and family, they won’t be at risk.
The film Catfish is an example of a best case scenario for social site abuse. But too often, people are being harmed for meeting people who are not who they appear to be online. Technology has changed the way we communicate and connect, but bad guys will always remain. It’s important to move cautiously towards online relationships as not everyone will be as fortunate as Yaniv Shulman
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