Date of Award

Spring 4-19-2026

Document Type

Honors Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Communication and Digital Studies

Department Chair or Program Director

Dr. Zach Whalen

First Advisor

Dr. Emily Deering Crosby

Major or Concentration

Communication and Digital Studies

Abstract

This paper examines how celebrity fantasy shapes digital identity and contributes to vulnerability in catfishing scenarios. Using ideological criticism, this study analyzes two episodes of MTV’s Catfish involving celebrity impersonation to explore how digital spaces make it easy to perform a public persona. Research on online identity and parasocial relationships argues that people often feel close to celebrities and are drawn to the fantasy of being noticed by them. In these episodes, the fantasy becomes a tool for deception. Findings suggest that catfishers rely on celebrity tropes to gain appeal, while victims are pulled in by the thrill and validation of celebrity connection. This analysis highlights how digital platforms blur the line between real and performed identity, making celebrity impersonation feel believable. The paper concludes by explaining how the desire for connection and recognition online can make people distinctly vulnerable to deception.

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