Notre Dame linebacker, Manti Te'o was the victim of an online dating hoax when it was discovered that he was tricked into believing his online girlfriend had died this year.  There seems to be a lot of this happening with online dating.  In fact, one guy actually made a movie about it called 'Catfish', and that movie turned in to a series on MTV.  If only Manti Te'o had watched it, he might not have been tricked.

I have always been skeptical about online dating.  I mean, sure I've chatted with people before, but have never gotten emotionally attached to someone I have never met in person.  I just don't get that.  I mean, how do you connect with someone you have never met, or talked to on the phone?  Yet, millions of people take that chance every day on popular dating sites, and that is exactly what happened to Manti Te'o.

Recently, my wife started watching this show on MTV called 'Catfish'.  Basically, this show is about this dude, who was tricked himself at one time, and he goes around helping people expose the person that they are talking to on the internet.   I admit, that I have sat down and watched some episodes with her, and I am always surprised by how people get sucked into an online relationship, without knowing anything about the person they are talking to.  I mean, it seems to me, that a little investigation on that person you are talking to, would be one of the first things you should do if you are going to put yourself out there.

I just don't get it.

Don't get me wrong, I am not knocking online relationships at all.  I'm simply saying that a little investigation on the person you are talking to, might be a smart thing to do considering all of the fake people and profiles out there.  It's like the 1-800 sex talk numbers.  I mean, do you really believe that the person on the other end of the phone is this hot and sexy Swedish girl who is wearing a maid's outfit?  Probably not.

Anyway, here a couple of videos about 'Catfish'.  If you have ever wanted to see what these poor saps who get tricked go through, this is it. First, the movie trailer, then the show on MTV.

Catfish Movie Trailer

Catfish MTV Trailer

If Manti Te'o watched this show, it might have prevented the huge embarrassment that he is going through right now.  So, how do you feel about online dating?  Have you ever been tricked by someone online?  Feel free to leave your comments below.

 

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