Understanding Kittenfishing: Insights from Experts on This Dating Trend

A new year brings a fresh approach to dating!

Bumble has recently unveiled its 2025 Dating Trends, sparking a lively discussion online about current developments in the dating landscape.

Francesca Hogi, founder of the True Love Society and based in New York City, asserts that Bumble’s dating trends indicate that traditional methods of seeking romance are no longer effective. “Trends like Male-Casting show that women are no longer settling for what they can get from men; they are actively claiming what they desire,” she states.

In addition to the dating app’s predictions for popular dating trends, a new and intriguing phenomenon is emerging in romantic endeavors: kittenfishing. This lighthearted term refers to a less severe but still deceptive version of catfishing.

“In catfishing, someone pretends to be a completely different person online,” she explains. “Kittenfishing involves presenting oneself in subtly misleading or even false ways. For example, individuals may exaggerate their job descriptions or share heavily edited images that still represent them but showcase an overly idealized version of themselves,” Hogi elaborates, emphasizing that although this behavior has existed since the rise of online connections, awareness around it is increasing. Below, Hogi and other experts provide valuable insights for both swipers and seekers about kittenfishing.

What is kittenfishing?

Shan Boodram, Bumble’s expert on sex and relationships, elaborates on the definition of kittenfishing, stating that it involves an individual misrepresenting themselves online to impress potential matches and prospective dates. “This misrepresentation can take the form of lies or exaggerations regarding one’s looks, lifestyle, or personality,” she adds.

Courtney Sonntag, LMFT, owner of Front Porch Therapy in Las Vegas, agrees with Boodram and Hogi, highlighting that, unlike catfishing, kittenfishing usually involves smaller lies or embellishments, particularly about one’s appearance, achievements, or interests to seem more appealing. “While kittenfishing might seem harmless when done behind a screen, it tends to lead to feelings of disappointment and betrayal,” she explains.

Why do people kittenfish?

There’s no denying it: encountering a kittenfish can be unpleasant. But what drives individuals to engage in this behavior?

According to Sonntag, many people resort to kittenfishing because they wish to project an image that is more attractive, successful, or trendy than how they perceive themselves in daily life. “They may feel that if they present their true selves, they will face rejection. Thus, they resort to kittenfishing as a defense against their insecurities,” she explains, noting examples that range from using old or heavily filtered pictures to overstating job roles or adopting a more confident persona in interactions compared to in-person meetings.

Boodram offers a possibly more cynical perspective on the behavior. “People often kittenfish simply because it’s easy to do. The dating app atmosphere can feel fiercely competitive, with many trying to stand out,” Boodram states. In her observations, the most common fabrications tend to relate to height, age, career, and lifestyle. “If you claim on your profile to be an activist when you’re not actively engaged in any causes, that’s a form of kittenfishing, and you should reconsider how you frame your community involvement,” she advises.

The downsides of kittenfishing

While it may be tempting to enhance your online dating profile, experts caution against such practices.

“Authenticity is essential for building relationships, romantic or otherwise. If there is any intentional deception, no matter how small, trust can deteriorate before a connection even takes flight,” warns Sonntag. “Although stretching the truth may appear to be a surefire way to attract the perfect partner, people ultimately prefer an honest representation, no matter what that may look like. Authenticity and confidence are crucial for meaningful connections.”

What to do if you spot a kittenfisher

If you suspect someone’s dating profile is exaggerated, Hogi’s key advice is to observe whether they present themselves as if marketing an ideal or flawless “product.” This often indicates they’re focused on attracting as many matches as possible, rather than seeking meaningful connections. The goal should be to prioritize quality matches over quantity.

If you find yourself kittenfishing others, you might be unaware of it. To avoid this trap, Boodram suggests that when creating or updating your dating profile, ask yourself if a close friend would recognize you based on what you’ve shared. “Better yet, ask a friend to give you honest feedback about your profile and assess what truly represents you,” she recommends. “In the end, since attention spans for dating profiles can be quite short, it’s best to showcase the most genuine and authentic aspects of yourself.”