Social media is deeply woven into teenage life. What began as a simple way to stay connected has become a complex space where reality and performance blur. One trend drawing growing concern is “sadfishing,” a term defined in the Journal of American College Health in 2021 to describe posts that exaggerate emotions online to attract sympathy through cryptic quotes, somber photos, or vague updates.
For instance, a teen might post, “I can’t believe how much I’m struggling right now. Nothing ever seems to go right for me,” paired with a sad selfie and a crying emoji, inviting responses of comfort. While sharing vulnerable moments is normal, experts warn that frequent or extreme displays may point to deeper mental health struggles, or even a digital cry for help.
The rise of sadfishing raises a pressing question: are young people chasing likes, or desperately reaching out to be heard? Click on to find out.