Strangers Online — Not Everyone Is Who They Say

You can make great friends online. People you connect with over games, music, or shared interests can become some of your closest allies. But because you can’t see the person on the other side of the screen, it’s easy for someone to pretend to be someone they’re not. The key isn’t to be scared of everyone online. It’s to be smart enough to spot the difference between a real friend and a fake profile.

Not everyone online is who they claim to be. This is called catfishing: when someone creates a fake identity using stolen photos and made-up stories. Their motives can range from loneliness to scams to more dangerous manipulation.Sometimes, this deception is part of a longer process called grooming. This is when a predator slowly builds your trust over weeks or months. They act like the perfect friend, learning your secrets and making you feel special, only to exploit that trust later. It’s a slow, patient manipulation tactic.According to researchers, about 1 in 5 online profiles aimed at young people contain false information about the user's age. Here are the warning signs:They push to move to a private or encrypted chat app very quickly.They ask you to keep the friendship a secret from...

Aaliyah, 15, met someone in a fan community who said his name was Leo and he was 16. They bonded instantly over their favorite show and chatted for weeks. Leo seemed to get her completely. One day, he messaged, “We should switch to a private chat app, so we can talk more freely.” He then added, “And maybe don’t mention me to your parents. They might not understand our connection.” Aaliyah felt a knot in her stomach. The request for secrecy was a huge red flag. She showed the messages to her older sister, who confirmed it was suspicious. They blocked and reported the account together. Aaliyah realized a real friend wouldn't need to be a secret.