I’ve always wondered how people in social media can just show their faces, act ridiculously, and live with themselves. Yes, for a lot of them, they get money but I like to think that one’s dignity is worth more.
Looking back, social media used to be this void where you can share your thoughts and it’s like telling everyone and no one. People were more real back then, unfiltered and raw. Nowadays, everything is curated and made perfect. Everything is a show and you cant trust what you see anymore.
But, more than ever, there is a huge cry for authenticity. People seem to interpret that as mot being afraid to act goofy or silly but is that really you or is that what you would like the world to believe to be you? Theres no telling anymore. To make matters worse, this facade has become such a normal thing that I’m afraid we dont really know our own selves anymore.
The picture above is of myself in a mask. I feel that this accurately depicts what is expected of us today. It’s still me in there, with my own thoughts and beliefs and uniqueness but there is this pressure to appear or come across a certain way. I wore the mask because I was afraid. I am afraid. Of being judged, or ridiculed, or not be liked. I am afraid that my authentic self cannot measure up to what society expects me to be. So I show up but I hide. I am experiencung the paradox of authenticity.
The paradox of authenticity refers to the tension that exists between the desire to be true to oneself and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. It is a complex and often conflicting dilemma that many individuals grapple with in their pursuit of personal identity and fulfillment.
On one hand, authenticity is highly valued in modern society. People are encouraged to be true to themselves, to express their unique qualities, and to live in alignment with their core values and beliefs. This emphasis on authenticity stems from the belief that it leads to greater happiness and fulfillment. When individuals are authentic, they are seen as genuine and trustworthy, and they often experience a sense of inner peace and harmony.
On the other hand, there is a constant pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations. Society has its own set of standards and ideals, and individuals are often judged and evaluated based on how well they adhere to these standards. This can create a conflict between the desire to be authentic and the fear of being judged or rejected by others. The paradox lies in the fact that in order to be accepted and valued by society, individuals may feel compelled to sacrifice their true selves and adopt a persona that is more socially acceptable.
This paradox becomes particularly evident in the age of social media, where individuals are constantly bombarded with images and narratives that promote a certain idealized version of authenticity. People are expected to curate their online presence in a way that portrays them as authentic and genuine, but this can often lead to a performance of authenticity rather than a true expression of self. The pressure to present a polished and curated image can be suffocating and can further exacerbate the paradox of authenticity.
Navigating the paradox of authenticity requires a delicate balance between staying true to oneself while also acknowledging and respecting the social contexts in which we exist. It involves self-reflection, introspection, and a willingness to question societal norms and expectations. It also requires cultivating a sense of self-acceptance and self-compassion, recognizing that authenticity is a journey rather than a destination. By embracing the paradox of authenticity, individuals can strive to live more authentic and fulfilling lives while also acknowledging the complexities and challenges that come with it.
Really nice Kylo Helmet and Lightsaber. With just a black cloak you should be all set for a cosplay or halloween.
I think a lot of people just want to be famous. With social media, they are able to see all these famous influencers living their life, traveling to different countries, being paid a lot of money to do these, be goofy, while "being themselves". What a lot of them don't realize is that most people are boring. That is why once their channel/video don't get the views they want, they turn to silliness and they create a persona. Sure they can maybe get more views, but I do agree that it is at the cost of their dignity.
For the top influencers, I guess they are well compensated, but for smaller creators, I don't think it is worth it. Some eventually just stop on their own. I've seen some influencers share how they got big, and it is a matter of being consistent, finding your niche, doing your research on what works, and slowly building your audience. For Twitch, some say you have to be one of the best at the game you are playing, or you have to have an awesome personality that can attract an audience. Those that are both are the ones that really blow up.
Yeah, I do see that a lot. But I agree with the people are boring statement. At least, they are when they just have the normal grind and not into anything super interesting. I wonder too if we are just inherently boring or if we get the life sucked out of us by just living.