Sadfishing is defined as the act of posting emotional or sensitive content on social media to seek sympathy or attention. Coined by journalist Rebecca Reid in 2019, it can serve as both a plea for genuine help or a way to highlight issues in a teen’s life. However, such posts often backfire, making teens vulnerable to online harassment and exploitation. Studies suggest that teens seeking real support online can be disappointed or accused of attention-seeking, blurring the line between those genuinely in need and those seeking validation.
https://www.wral.com/story/what-parents-need-to-know-about-the-new-teen-trend-sadfishing/21506213
