Munchausen by Internet
n.— «Dr. Marc Feldman, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Alabama, has investigated such minds for 15 years, usually in the “off line” world. Feldman is an expert in fictitious illnesses, including Munchausen syndrome, in which sufferers feign the symptoms of an illness, usually to get attention. Feldman has coined the term “Munchausen by Internet” to describe the online version, where it is possible to take the fabrication all the way to the grave.» —“Online, and dying for attention” by Howard Swains Chicago Tribune July 1, 2007. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
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