Catfish: the blog

Fairly recently, I made a rather quick judgement on MTV's new series, Catfish: The Show, not to be confused with Catfish (the movie). At first glance I just thought it was just another shitty show on MTV. But one night after winding down from a long school/work day, I turned on the TV and the show was on. I had previously heard the general overview of the concept: a guy by the name of Yaniv "Nev" Schulman, his friend, and brother decided to make a documentary on his journey involving an online relationship. When it ended on a sour note, Nev received many emails from people all over the country who said they were going through the exact same thing, thus the show was born.      

When I watched a full episode, and started doing some research on the movie, I was pleasantly blown away. I changed my mind immediately about the presumptions I had made. I think it was mainly due to the subject matter, which of course being online dating. I'm aware that with technology being more readily available, online dating is more prevalent than ever, and I'm aware that while there are many horror stories, there are stories that have a happy ending as well. I think this documentary, and now the show, shine a light on a topic that hasn't really received much exposure when you actually think about it; arguably a lot of the information has been hearsay. It usually goes something along the lines of, "My cousins, brothers, mother met her fiancee online and now they live happily ever after." Or, "My mother-in-laws, sisters twin met a guy online and now she has genital warts and six kids." Either or, really.  

What they did is getting a lot of attention, and rightly so. For once MTV didn't fail royally. It highlights the pitfalls people tend to run into when dealing with stuff like this, the red flags, and the potentials for lying. In every episode I have seen so far, there has been some sort of deception, just like in Nev's case. I don't want to give it all away, but what I find particularly interesting is that the majority of the time the individuals involved end up maintaining some sort of friendship, even if some sort of lying was involved. That seems like a fantastical idea, especially seeing how some of their stories unfold. I've been thinking about that for a while now; what would make someone overlook indiscretions, some graver than others? It's actually not that absurd, and Nev has a captivating explanation for just that in his documentary, which is also the background for why it's called Catfish.

There's the potential, meaning if one does not know this type of person, to have the pleasure or misfortune in knowing a person who makes you feel alive. They add something to your life that you don't think you could get anywhere else. They make up a part of you, for better or for worse.

I absolutely believe that that has some merit to the question, sometimes it's worth it to forgive someone, rather than write them off for good. And I think it takes a certain kind of person to realize that. Life is full of risks, and so is that alive person.

Friday was when my last final was due at 3pm, so I've officially completed half of my last year at Oswego. I made a worthwhile decision in staying here for a couple days to relax and unwind. Astonishingly enough, I got some Christmas shopping done as well. Thanks to some friends I got to crash on their couch, since my housing in the Village kicks me out 24 hours after your last final, or Saturday 10am at the very latest.

I'm only to be met with a free concert at the Upstate Concert Call tomorrow evening. I only predict great things, good music with great people. Then it's back to the Dam for winter break. This past semester has been...interesting to say the least. I don't predict it getting any less interesting with the coming semester either.  As you can see here at Steph's 22nd birthday, I think things are going in the right direction:

Happy birthday Steph :) 

I've been thinking a lot about if I have any people in my life who make me feel alive, and have a hard impact on my life. And you can argue that just about anyone, or any that goes true for any best friend you may have. Aside from that, I think I really do know what it's like to have a catfish, to experience a catfish. And I'm grateful to know, and to have known them.

Last housemate picture of the semester, going to miss you K-Diz!

And now it's time to try and enjoy ourselves. Let the ugly sweater parties commence, and the excuses to drink on major holidays begin.