Catfishing: Lying or a Second Chance at a First Impression?

   Before this week, I thought the term "catfishing" was a negative concept because at its very core, it was lying. After taking a second look at it and reflecting on all the factors, motives, and intentions that can be correlated to "catfishing," I'm starting to think that maybe the concept isn't as bad as I initially thought.
   So what exactly is "catfishing?" "Catfishing" is the phenomenon in whihc people take on different identities on social media and establish relationships with others who are unaware of their real identity. There are many reasons for someone to have a fake profile: they could be trying to trick you into handing over money or other resources, for amusement, or it is their only way for them to express themselves. Many sources have found that most social media profiles reflect who people really are if they weren't too scared of what society's reaction would be.
   I have found that "catfishing" is not always someone taking on a completely different identity; usually it is just someone exaggerating or embellishing their profile. I believe that people resulting to catfishing speaks volumes about our society. It speaks about the tight criteria that society has implemented; it addresses the issue that we, as a society, value physical appearances over emotional connections and personality. "Catfishing" breaks down these societal limitations byt enabling people the chance for others to get to know them before judging.