If the internet is a social gathering, it is a Masquerade Ball. Everyone is presenting their best selves, and some choose to don a mask. At the Internet's Masquerade Ball, everyone only displays what they want others to see (or what they think others want to see). Some people do this to the extent of hiding their identity.

These are the catfishes. Some have evil/manipulative intentions, others without malice. A social minority may wish to express their views but feel that they cannot without risking their health, relationships or livelihood. Specifically those such as members of the LGTB+ community. While I am the sort of person to cut off those who disapprove of me, even I have those Great Aunts who think I should wear long skirts and marry young. But I still want that birthday check, so I keep my very feminist views in check on my social media.

I suppose my point is that while I personally think that honesty is the best policy, and if people don't like you for who you are, cut them off; catfishing is not inherently a bad thing. If I meet someone online, friend or otherwise, I am fully aware that my expectations of them are not going to be entirely fulfilled. If I go to meet 22 year old Jane and find out she's a 60 year old Jacob trying to manipulate younger women, yes I will be very mad! But if 22 year old Jane is living as a 22 year old Jacob who is a closeted trans girl, I will be significantly less so. I'll be very mad initially, but I'll get over it. Or not, in which case I'm not worth the time and effort they were putting into the friendship.

For me, escaping into the world of fiction (books, games, etc) is enough. But I also am generally happy with who I am and what is going on in my life. I have people who love me unconditionally, both in my family and my friends. I am not a homosexual in a homophobic town with no way to relocate, or a young Christian trapped in an area where religion is looked down upon. It must be liberating to finally express your views, protected by a fake identity.

If the only place you can be your true self is online, go for it. Chances are, you never hurt anyone by being you. We are all already fabricating our online presence by picking and choosing what we post. We even do it to an extent in real life. Catfishing is just one step further.

But I genuinely wish that if you catfish for the reason that you are not accepted in the real world, that you do find someone who accepts and loves you for who you truly are. Someone who sees you without your mask and still loves you all the same.