MTV’s hit reality series “Catfish”’ returned on Wednesday, Feb. 24 for its fifth season with a surprising love triangle. Hosts Nev Schulman and Max Joseph narrate the love story of 20-somethings Dejay and Malik, who were shocked to discover they were both in a relationship with a man named Josiah for over five years. Not only had Josiah created a fake profile using a picture of someone else; but Josiah told both of them conflicting stories about his lifestyle while pledging his exclusive love to each of them, when in reality, he was involved with a fourth man. Clips from upcoming episodes show more hopeful romantics getting tricked by fake profiles and social media personalities all in the name of pursuing love.
At a time when social media profiles dictate popularity and in many cases self-esteem; it’s no surprise that MTV had a hit on its hands with the series dedicated to exposing those hiding behind the façade of a perfect profile. The network defined “catfish” as a culturally relevant term meaning “to pretend to be someone you’re not online by posting false information, such as someone else’s pictures, on social media sites usually with the intention of getting someone to fall in love with you.”
“Catfish” became a cult phenomenon when it debuted in 2011, the premiere episode detailing a girl pretending to be a boy with runway model good looks in order to get the attention of a pretty girl. MTV’s millennial audience couldn’t get enough of the train wreck of people confronted over their inability to face their own reality and hiding behind a profile guaranteed to produce more likes, gain more friends and amass more followers.
Catfishing isn’t simply reserved for romantic relationships. The need for public approval via social media creates many opportunities for career and lifestyle catfishing. With photo shopping apps, an endless number of filters and lighted selfie sticks, the candidates on “Catfish” aren’t alone in their need to present a false sense of perfection in order to gain acceptance. Instagram profiles with photoshopped images are all the rage and gain followers much faster than unedited, candid shots.
Celebrity photographer Calvin Evans agrees that today’s culture celebrates a false sense of beauty, but misses out on the essence of the word. “I’ve taken pictures of celebrities and models that are considered beautiful and they are, but some of the most beautiful shots I’ve taken have been of everyday people without the makeup and glam squad. People just enjoying life. To be able to show the beauty in that is a blessing,” he says.
Until Evans’ sentiments become a reality, you can catch MTV’s “Catfish” on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. EST.
