Date of Award
Spring 5-12-2021
Document Type
Honors Project
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Communication and Digital Studies
Department Chair or Program Director
Rao, Anand
First Advisor
Crosby, Emily
Major or Concentration
Communication and Digital Studies
Abstract
In this research paper I articulate three common themes and motives in the popular MTV show Catfish: The TV Show. By conducting a rhetorical criticism on the show, I employ the research question, "What are some emerging themes and motives demonstrated in different episodes of Catfish?" In this paper, I uncover themes which reveal anxieties about digital technology, human vulnerability, and the convention that 'the reveal' transcends reality TV and human connection. I work towards connecting these themes across three specific episodes of the show Catfish and I engage in how the online phenomena of 'catfishing' is still prevalent today in this developing digital age and uncover ways that audiences can be familiar with and recognize certain motives that catfishes might have so we can prevent being victims to these unfortunate situations.
Recommended Citation
Grant, Victoria, "Catfish: The TV Show: A Rhetorical Criticism" (2021). Student Research Submissions. 424.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/424