The Authentic Self Illusion Why Performative Vulnerability Online Is a Trap
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The Authentic Self Illusion Why Performative Vulnerability Online Is a Trap
Key Takeaways "Authenticity" online often becomes a curated performance, not genuine self-expression. Performative vulnerability can lead to emotional exhaustion, blurred boundaries, and a sense of disconnect. True authenticity thrives in private spaces and deep, reciprocal relationships, not public displays. Reclaiming your real self involves setting digital boundaries and nurturing offline connections. Remember that friend who suddenly started sharing every single detail of their struggles online? The raw, unfiltered posts, the teary-eyed selfies, the deep dives into their therapy sessions? For a moment, you probably thought, "Wow, that's so brave. So authentic." I felt it too. The pull to share, to be seen, to connect through what felt like radical honesty. But what if that very act of public vulnerability, often celebrated as the epitome of the 'authentic self,' is actually a sophisticated trap? What if it's harming us more than it helps? The Allure of…