This article surveys the theme of identity theft, misrepresentation in art, and attention-seeking behaviour. In this case, we have someone who misrepresented themselves as a war photographer, (an ‘intrepid photojournalist’) who has cancer, has done humanitarian work for the United Nations, and has raked in a lot of followers on Instagram. Why did he do this? ultimately, only he knows, perhaps this was a desperation for empathy/sympathy, a cry for reality by portraying a ‘role model’ or a ‘good/perfect person’. The ability to almost become something you aren’t takes over temptation and causes people to do things that they wouldn’t otherwise do. The opportunity allows for people to do this with intent, without verification
This also conveys the theme of digital identity theft, digitalization has made it considerably easier to steal someone’s online identity. Thus, his doing so reveals the simplicity of doing exactly that- and gain followers, which may also get him money.