Need a psychologist: Why would someone fake their own death online and then pretend to be her own sister?

Question

I'm not sure it's really happened. An online friend disappeared. Two weeks later, her "sister" appeared, using the account of the deceased and giving an obituary.

Several things do seem right, that this is indeed a sister. And then there are things that get suspicious, like the details of the death, little quirks in the writing...this can go either way.

I guess the main questions is, "Why"? There is nothing to gain that I can see, and I have enough doubt to think that maybe the whole thing is legit, but then again, maybe not. As you can see, I'm confused and bothered by the whole thing.

Answer 1

I think it's a game people play. They hide under a shroud of anonymity. In other words, they like to pretend they are someone they're not, and since it's on line, no one will ever know who they really are, or if they're telling the truth. For example, married men will pass themselves off as single, as will some married women. Or a person will say they're a rocket scientist or the CEO of a large corporation, when in reality, they are waitresses or dishwashers.

However, to pretend to die and then assume the role of a sibling, is a little far-fetched for even the most fertile imagination. If this is indeed a subterfuge, the "why?" can be explained that this person is either bored with her self-image, wants to have a little fun (like maybe come back from the "dead" and haunt you on line), or just wants to see if she can convince others of her lie. Apparently, this has gotten to you, but there are ways to prove whether or not it's the truth. You can be just as innovative as she, by pinning her down to certain details discussed in previous conversations with the "dead sister", and trip her up that way, as she would not have any idea what you're talking about if she really is a sister. And if she's the "dead" person, she'll pick up on a previous conversation. So quit stewing about it and use your imagination. Good luck, dear......(scratching my head)......

Answer 2

I've seen this happen in chat rooms many times. I think that some people form a fake identity to chat with and at some point the lie just gets too hard to handle. How better to deal with not being yourself than to kill off the other person. I think these people have serious self esteem issues and think that by being someone else, they can live some kind of odd fantasy out, being who they wished they were. The problem arises when they form relationships as the alter identity. Now they are stuck in a place where they actually care about the people but can't open up and be themselves because they will be outed as a fraud. Hence, faking the death and returning as the "sister" which is actually them, trying to be more of themselves but still perpetuating the same lie. It's a never ending circle. I've only seen one chat room "death" that was authentic. We only knew it was authentic because many had actually met her, knew her name etc. Try not to let it bother you but let it be a warning not to trust anyone when it comes to chatting. Keep your guard up. Use chat for whatever purpose you personally have, for me it's a fun way to have general conversations late at night when it's too late to call a friend. I take everything I see in chat with a grain of salt. I have no problem calling someone on BS. I just don't put that much energy into strangers hiding behind a screen. Look for the warning signs of a liar and call them on it. This is only a problem because we have an epidemic of low self esteem right now. People are afraid that being themselves just isn't enough. Hopefully they will learn that it's really the only way to be. Good luck :)

Answer 3

Maybe they did not want to continue communicating with you and di not want to loose the account. Maybe your friend was a frabrication from the start. I would not be to worried or even pursue it since it was an online friendship. If you actually was involved with them in a real in person or family that would be different.

It also could just be a prank on you.

Answer 4

probably the person "killed off herself" bcuz they're not happy with their true selves and they wish to become a "new" person.the net surely allows for this
probably it's their way of trying to trick/dupe u.they'll be testing u to see how much u'll tell the "sister" or how close u and the "sister" will become or other stuff in that vein
it's a call for attention bcuz clearly this person is unhappy with their own image or longs for more and so has developed an alter ego
an alter ego is our way of dealing/avoiding with issues that our day to day self seems to be unable to cope with.
for whatever reason,this person shud be treated with caution bcuz they're obviously not being truthful in some regard...either they're lying about being "dead" or they're lying about being the "sister" or they truly are the "sister" but seems to be lying about the details of the burial
their inability to be truthful is what is cause for concern and u shud be careful in ur dealings with them

Answer 5

A person could want to die and not have the ability to carry it out so they then fake the death and take on a new personna to try and convince themselves and others. Or someone could just want to see other's reaction to their death. Sounds like you are dealing with a messed up person though. I would suggest distancing yourself.

Answer 6

My best friend had this exgirlsfriend who called him months later in the middle of the night and pretended she was her sister. And started to a fight to defend herself as if she really was her sister. This was a really weird thing. Perhaps this is a form of mental illness????

Answer 7

i might in simple terms pass lacking - plastic surgical operation, faux tan, piles of makeup, dye my hair pink and there you're.... the full neighbourhood thinks i'm ineffective.... break out the country - to Brazil, in line with hazard?...... stumble on a job sashaying up and down the Copacabana sea coast....... ooh... abruptly i've got stopped feeling like an previous sourpuss and started out feeling truly kittenish.... *measures necessary information for an itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka-dot bikini.... desperate against pink hair.... perchance platinum blonde like Dolly Parton's.....

Answer 8

because she's crazy! besides...it may not even be a she! it could be a 55 year old man online from the jail! GET OUT WHILE YOU CAN!

Answer 9

I'd say this person wants attention.

Answer 10

sounds too freaky, I would block that contact.