The Chasm Between Authentic Self and Virtual Persona: An Exploration

The gap between our authentic selves and our digitally brushed-up self-representations is vast. Many individuals experience a significant divide between who they are on social media and in real life. This article explores this chasm, the rules we set for ourselves on social media, and the impact on our online presence.

The Rules of Social Media for a Perfect Digital Self

The rules we set for ourselves in our mental 'rule book' of social media often prioritize showcasing the best of our lives. One of the most fundamental rules is to post only the positive and good things that happen to us. When we share something on social media, we spend at least 15 minutes carefully selecting filters, captions, quotes, and hashtags to present a polished and curated image. This process is part of our unconscious effort to project an idealized digital persona.

However, when we are in real life, we often lack the same level of conscious thought. Our actions and words tend to be more authentic, unless we are deliberately aware of the unintended messages we may be sending. Our authentic selves, despite all our efforts, cannot constantly put on a filter and appear perfect all the time.

The Purpose of Social Media: Attention and Impressions

The primary function of social media is to gain as many likes and comments as possible. This is achieved by posting content that highlights our achievements, a delicious meal, or an exciting trip. Rarely will someone be impressed by the completion of an Excel spreadsheet. Therefore, the digital persona often glorifies events, presenting them as the best things happening in one's life, regardless of internal feelings of emptiness or frustration.

While the digital persona is designed to impress and gain attention, the authentic self is more grounded in reality. Our true feelings, struggles, and imperfections do not fit into the perfect mold that social media often promotes. Authentic content is characterized by honesty and vulnerability, depicting moments of vulnerability, struggle, and raw emotion.

The Exceptions: Those with Identical Digital and Analog Persona

It is rare to find individuals whose digital and analog personas are identical. Often, those who do maintain such alignment use social media primarily as a medium to store their memories and share experiences, rather than for impressing others.

Individuals who possess both digital and analog personas that reflect their true selves are more rare and valuable. For them, social media is a tool to connect, share, and express their authentic selves. They authentically share the joy and pain, the successes and failures, with their followers, creating a true reflection of their lives. These individuals instill a sense of relatability and authenticity that can build strong connections with their audience.

Overall, the gap between our authentic self and our digitally brushed-up self-representations is significant. It is a topic worth exploring as we strive to find balance and authenticity in our online presence.

Conclusion

The journey towards bridging the gap between our authentic self and digital persona is a continuous one. It requires self-reflection, honesty, and a willingness to present our true selves online. While social media can be a powerful tool for connectivity and self-expression, we must also recognize the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in our online personas.