informational

Protect Yourself: Catfishing

Greetings, 

In our ever-connected digital world, it's crucial to discuss a prevalent concern; that is, catfishing, and the potential dangers associated with sharing sensitive content online. For a little while now we've been seeing an uptick of reports of people sharing NSFW IRL pictures supposedly "of themselves" which turn out to be leaked OnlyFans content or AI Generated Nudes, and then the same party requesting images of Dreamers or videos of them masturbating. This has raised more than enough eyebrows amongst the staff to start our own space program of rockets fuelled purely by raising eyebrows.

Catfishing is nothing new; in fact there was a wave of it happening during the second administration here on EcchiDreams (Illogically Logical's administration ~2009) that gave birth to the recently updated rule under Section 10, Sub-Section 1. This is not a problem unique to EcchiDreams either, not by a long stretch. You can hopefully take the majority of the information and advice here and apply to literally any other platform.

What is Catfishing?
Catfishing involves the creation of false identities to deceive individuals, often leading to emotional manipulation, financial fraud, or even blackmail. Recognizing and understanding this practice is the first step in safeguarding yourself and others.

Why do people Catfish?
Catfishing, the act of creating false online personas, stems from diverse motivations. Some individuals seek validation or attention, using fake identities to garner admiration they feel is lacking in their own lives. Loneliness prompts others to form emotional connections they struggle to establish authentically. Additionally, some catfishers aim for deception, seeking personal gain or manipulating others for various reasons. Escape from reality and curiosity about different personas also drive this behavior. And apparently roleplaying fictional characters isn't good enough; they need to kind of LARP to get their kicks (we're not judging). However, there is a more sinister reason: some engage in catfishing to perpetrate blackmail or enter the dark trade of collecting and brokering sensitive or explicit content without consent, exploiting others for financial or personal gain.

Community Guidelines and Safety
Our platform strictly prohibits the submission or posting of any media content depicting real-life individuals in sexual situations or nudity, regardless of identity or age. This policy ensures a secure and respectful environment for all Dreamers. Section 18 specifically prohibits it, and Section 10, Sub-Section 1 prohibits even asking for them, and gives strong repercussions for repeatedly pressuring and pestering for them which will result in a ban as it is viewed as harassment; hence why it is under Section 10.

The Risks of Sharing Sensitive Content
Sharing intimate or explicit images is an inherently vulnerable act. Unfortunately, such content can be exploited by individuals known as "Porn Collectors" or "Nude Brokers" (a reality that's as concerning as it sounds). These individuals often distribute or sell sensitive material without consent, leading to potential blackmail, coercion, or wider unauthorized circulation. Regardless of your gender, it's crucial to comprehend the potential consequences of sharing such material. We haven't put these rules in place for a laugh; they're there for an understandable reason.

Gender Neutrality in Risk
Contrary to popular belief, men and women (and variations thereof) can fall victim to catfishing and the dangers associated with sharing sensitive content. These risks transcend gender and can affect anyone, regardless of their community or platform.

Our Community Stands Against Harassment
Our Terms of Service strictly prohibit harassment, including pestering for 'nudes' (real-life imagery of a sexual nature), or any such kind of material associated with it. We do not tolerate members pressuring or persistently requesting such content from others. Repeated pestering falls under harassment, a violation we take extremely seriously, as mentioned above. 

How You Can Help: Reporting and Seeking Help
If you come across behavior that violates our community guidelines or makes you uncomfortable, please report it promptly. Reporting conversations where individuals solicit or pressure for explicit content is crucial in maintaining a safe environment for all Dreamers. Our platform provides reporting features to flag inappropriate behavior, including conversations soliciting 'nudes' (real-life imagery of a sexual nature), or any form of harassment. Your reports are confidential, and instrumental in our efforts to uphold community standards.

Important Note: Do Not Entrap Others into Sending Nudes
It's crucial to emphasize that while reporting is vital, intentionally attempting to lure or entrap individuals into sending explicit content is not appropriate or acceptable behavior. Please refrain from engaging in such actions and focus on reporting concerning behavior through the appropriate channels.

Protecting Yourself Online
To safeguard yourself against potential threats that aren't limited to just this community but online in general:

• Exercise Caution: Think critically before sharing personal or sensitive content online, even with individuals you trust.
• Know Your Rights: Understand the legal implications and guidelines surrounding the sharing of explicit content.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter any suspicious behavior or feel uncomfortable, report it promptly to our moderation team.
• Utilising Tools: Reverse Image Search
  • One powerful tool to verify the authenticity of images is a reverse image search. Services like Google Images or TinEye allow you to upload or input an image's URL to find similar or identical images across the web. This can help identify fake profiles or flagged images associated with scams or catfishing.

Ensuring a Secure Community
In our community, your safety matters greatly. Each of us holds a vital role in establishing a secure environment. Prioritizing your safety online is crucial for a positive experience, both for yourself and for fellow Dreamers. Let's unite in upholding safety by remaining vigilant and responsible. By promptly reporting inappropriate behavior and staying informed about our community guidelines, we actively contribute to fostering a safer online space for everyone.

If you have any concerns or need guidance on safety measures, please reach out to us via our contact form; or by sending any of the staff (Purple Names) a message.

Stay safe and informed,

The EcchiDreams Administration

Image Source: 泉 彩

I wanted a catgirl that was fishing. A light hearted picture for a pretty heavy subject to kind of balance it out a little. Don't hate on her, she's just an innocent fisher who's only caught a shoe. Give her headpats instead. The artist did an excellent job on this picture although the architecture is a unique choice. It's a cute art style and I think it's a cute picture. I like the shades of blue of the water.