Why do some people create fake social network profiles?

Some people create fake profiles in order to stalk the ones they are interested in without getting caught or recognized.

Some people create fake profiles to use them to initiate talks with people they don’t know. The main goal in such a case is avoiding getting embarrassed.

Many people, especially programmers, create fake accounts to do certain tests. For example, a developer can create a specially made Facebook account to test something on Facebook’s Api.

Some people create fake accounts to use them to support their own opinion, get votes or even criticize others without getting their real self involved.

Spammers usually create fake accounts as they know that sooner or later Facebook will recognize and delete those accounts.

Some people create Fake profiles to be free to do whatever they want without involving their real profile.

Some cyber bullies create fake accounts in order to bully others without getting caught.

Some people create fake accounts because they are too afraid to reveal their real identities to people online. (See What are the body language signs of fear?)

Some people create fake accounts to have fun, do pranks or to joke with friends.

Dr Chris Fullwood, a cyberpsychologist at the University of Wolverhampton, said that some people create fake identities to narrow the gap between their imagined ideal self and how they actually see themselves in real life.

Some people create fake identities to explore new, certain environments without getting noticed or caught. A person could explore a dating app, for example, without revealing his real identity.

If a person isn’t proud of who he is or doesn’t have a strong sense of identity then he might use a fake account most of the time instead of being who he is. (See How to tell if someone is stalking you on Facebook?)