A Comprehensive Guide to the Increasing Trend of Sadfishing
Recognizing Sadfishing - What Parents Need to Know to Support Their Teens
It’s so sad. You’re watching your daughter or son posting on social media, and they’re bawling their eyes out because something terrible happened.
But is it real? Or is it something more sinister, like sadfishing? In this article, I will provide a comprehensive guide to the increasing trend of sadfishing.
The origin of the term
The term “Sadfishing” was coined in 2019 by journalist Rebecca Reid after reporting on an Instagram post by Kendall Jenner.
In the ad, Jenner described an intense struggle she was having with acne and how it was a “debilitating struggle.”
Her followers rose to the occasion and sympathized with her.
Later, it was discovered that her post was misleading and was a marketing scheme for her skincare partnership with Proactiv.
This is when Reid coined the actions as sadfishing.
What is sadfishing?
Sadfishing is a term used to describe posting exaggerated claims about one's emotional problems on social media to attract attention, sympathy, or validation from others.
This behavior often manifests as dramatic posts about personal struggles, feelings of sadness, loneliness, or distress, and can sometimes include vague or cryptic messages hinting at deeper issues.
A study on sadfishing
According to a study by BMC Psychology1, 345 teen social media users (boys and girls) were studied. They completed the Social Media Sadfishing Questionnaire and were measured for anxiety, depression, attention seeking, perceived social support, and social media use.
Key findings indicate that adolescents who engage in sadfishing often exhibit higher levels of anxiety and depression.
They are motivated by a desire for attention and validation from feelings of loneliness and insufficient social support.
The study underscores the need for parents and educators to recognize these behaviors and provide appropriate support to address underlying emotional issues.
Possible examples of sadfishing
Jane, a high school student, is struggling with her math homework. Instead of stating that she’s struggling, she posts on her social media saying she’s “the dumbest person ever” and “can’t do anything right.”
Mike, a recent graduate, didn’t get the first job he applied for. He posts a lengthy, emotional status on Facebook about his repeated failures and how he’ll never find employment despite having only tried once.
Tom feels lonely during the weekend. He tweets that he has “no friends” and is “always alone,” even though his friends were busy for one weekend.
Teen sadfishing trends
You may be wondering why teens participate in sadfishing. There are five reasons to help you understand teen sadfishing.
Attention Seeking – Teens use behavior to gain the attention they want when something bothers them.
Sympathy –Teens seek pity, compassion, and support.
Loneliness – Feeling isolated, unloved, or unwanted.
Peer Influence – Mimicking friends or celebrities.
Low self-esteem - Seeking comfort from online friends.
This behavior can be hard to diagnose. As I look back on my childhood, I can see that I had very low self-esteem.
Unfortunately, my mother reinforced my feelings that I was no good, couldn’t do anything right, and would never be successful. (Sorry, Mom, you were wrong.)
Recognizing sadfishing in teens
Your teenager may be crying out for help. However, there is a possibility that sadfishing could occur.
So, how do you tell the difference? You can’t just wave a magic wand and say it’s one or the other. But four signs may give you a clue.
Attention-seeking comments – Social media posts may encourage friends to respond with concern or sympathy. They might be vague in their answers or increase their emotional distress.
Ambiguous Messages – The messages are often vague or confusing.
Seeking Excessive Reassurance – Does it seem like your teenager constantly seeks validation or comfort from online friends and followers?
Patterns of Behavior – A noticeable increase in social media posts centers around emotional expression. If you notice that the posts have escalated in intensity, there is a good chance your teenager is sadfishing.
Risks of sadfishing
It’s unfortunate, but not all reactions to your child’s attempts at gaining attention will be met with positive or supportive responses.
In this comprehensive guide, I warn you that sadfishing can have negative consequences. Below are five risks to be concerned about.
Difficulty developing healthy coping mechanisms
Attracting negative attention from trolls, bullies, or predators
Desensitization and compassion fatigue among viewers
Potential for cyberbullying or ridicule
Masking genuine mental health issues
Is it sadfishing or a mental health concern?
Despite the seemingly harmless effects of sadfishing, there is a fine line between it and a mental health concern.
You can use multiple warning signs to determine whether or not you need to contact a professional. I have listed a few of them below.
Isolating themselves and not mingling with the family or friends.
Posting about giving away personal belongings.
Their posts suggest they may not be around much longer.
Sleep issues
Losing friends
Their social media posts are out of pattern.
They’re talking about harming themselves.
They start showing pictures of themselves having burns, scars, or other injuries.
Strategies to help your teenager from sadfishing
Understanding teen sadfishing can be confusing or, in some cases, even a little scary.
But you can do this. Your teen needs your guidance. Below are 10 things you can use to respond to a teen sadfishing trend.
Ask them, but do so nonjudgmentally and neutrally.
Give them positive reinforcement.
Keep your emotions in check. Don’t act angry or shocked (even if you are).\
Point out the reasons you believe they may be sadfishing. If your teen is receptive, you can take it further and let them know the risks.
Be consistent. If you sadfish, don’t continue. It will only confuse your child.
Focus on the bigger picture. Your teenager is not coming to you. Why? How can you let them know you are always ready to talk and listen?
Teach good social media habits – and follow them yourself.
Don’t accuse your child of sadfishing. Be gentle and don’t risk their isolating from you.
Suggest other ways they can vent, like journaling.
Don’t hesitate to call in a professional if your teen is dealing with depression or anxiety.
Conclusion
As a parent, understanding and addressing sadfishing requires a delicate balance of empathy, communication, and proactive support.
By recognizing the signs, opening up lines of dialogue, and guiding your teenager towards healthier habits, you can help them navigate their emotions and social media use more positively.
Your involvement and support can make a significant difference in their well-being and online experiences.
By using this comprehensive guide, you will be able to recognize and react positively to the increasing trend of sadfishing.
1Shabahang, R., Shim, H., Aruguete, M.S. et al. Adolescent sadfishing on social media: anxiety, depression, attention seeking, and lack of perceived social support as potential contributors. BMC Psychol 11, 378 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01420-y
My daughter used to engage in this. I figured it was Peer influence and as the previous commenter mentioned, I thought it was exaggeration in order to get attention. I have observed how that behavior has spilled over into adulthood. As in, if someone feels anything negative (upset, hurt, offended) it's expected that fir that alone, you need to give sympathy. There's no self reflection. I absolutely understand and appreciate that nowadays there is better mental health support. I wished, I had received more understanding and tools for dealing with things. Navigating emotions in life when you can 'safely' air it online is not the best way to learn to deal with it.
This is a great article! I had no idea that this even had a name. I usually just ignore people that post exaggerated emotions. I figure they are looking for attention. I don't have kids but I think everyone should know about this.