sadfishing

English

Etymology

Blend of sad +‎ catfishing, implying that this is an exploitative and deceptive online act.

Noun

sadfishing (uncountable)

1. (Internet slang) The practice of writing about one’s unhappiness or emotional problems on social media, especially in a vague way, in order to attract attention and sympathetic response.
   • 2019 October 1, Sally Weale, “Young people who seek support online being accused of ‘sadfishing,’”, in The Guardian:

     A report […] says that accusations of so-called sadfishing could be further harming already vulnerable children and young people with mental health problems.