Being Real: The Importance of Online Authenticity
by BradyHeyen
My definition of–or philosophy of–online authenticity can be reached by asking yourself the question: “Are my words and actions in the virtual world consistent with my words and actions in the physical world?” If you can answer that question with, “yes,” then you practice online authenticity. That’s not where I struggle. But let’s take this one question deeper. Ask yourself the question: “Are my words and actions in the physical world consistent with the words and actions of my soul?” This, to me, is a much harder, heavier, and pressing question. This, if anything, is what I struggle with, much before online authenticity. This question requires that we know ourselves, which is something that is hard to do. One can practice online authenticity and still be fooling themselves and all of the world. This is a scary idea that I won’t delve into any further at this point.
Moving on, let’s talk about the importance of–or purpose of–online authenticity. It is important to be consistent in your online and physical presence so as not to deceive others. In the digital age, many relationships occur primarily online (because of geographical distance, schedules, etc.), so there are many who might only see one of the two manifestations of you. The importance of authenticity comes in when there is intention for these people to be with you in real life. For example, if an employer comes in contact with you via social media, they have one view of you, which you can actively shape and adapt on a whim. But if you are being inauthentic, when they hire you, they could be severely disappointed and might even fire you. That is a slippery-slope scenario, but nevertheless, inauthenticity can be damaging to yourself and to others.
My practical approach–or path–to online authenticity is so cliché: “Be yourself.” I know this phrase doesn’t carry much weight anymore, but it shouldn’t have to (because this guy said it). I believe I have enough foresight to know the possible consequences of being inauthentic. So my way of avoiding inauthenticity is simply not thinking about the boundary between the virtual world and the physical world. I know that sounds bizarre, but if you just think of them as one in the same (which I know they are not), you will have no problem acting consistently in both.
NOTES:
The only two places one might call me out for being inauthentic is in my omission (or non-participation) and irony.
Omission, or the holding back of words or actions, is not online authenticity because while it may seem that I have no opinion on certain matters, I really do and would refrain from sharing them just as I would in the physical world. Therefore, I am being authentic to my physical self.
Irony, or what some might call “trolling” (see example) may be unprofessional or impolite, but I am ironic and “troll” people in my physical life. It is all in the name of fun, and anyone who knows me well would know that. Therefore, because of the consistency, it is not inauthenticity (according to my definition).
the social mediation 
Nice use of GIFs. I didn’t know Drake was the first person to say “Be Yourself” :p.
I really enjoyed your thoughts on this, and how you personally try to accomplish online authenticity. I think your rule of thumb of not seeing the boundary is a good one (in the context of authenticity).
I just wanna know how the *bleep* you gonna be going around NOT citing your images. Uh, hello? First you slap Carlo Collodi in the face by not mentioning that HE WROTE THE MOTHERFLIPPING ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO. Then you go on using an image straight from Walt Disney himself. You messing with the God now. Where do you get off? *bleep* I was in Korea. You think it is easy to go to Korea? Think about how hard it was for people who went for the war? And I was only there to meet a “hot single” who turned out to be a 42 year old street vendor with Internet access and not Hyo-Ju. She was supposed to be a novelist with thick black hair and a compassion for lemurs. Do you hate lemurs? I bet you do, filth. The last thing Hyo-Ju said to me on AIM was a breif antidote about a lying boy whose nose grew. I feel for her (his) trick. It was not an original story but one that was PLAGURIZED from people who have ACTUAL talent. So now you have assumed a new pen name “Brundy” like you thought I wouldn’t find you. Well I did. And now I hope I can prevent other people from falling into the same trap. IF THIS MAN TELLS YOU TO MOVE TO KOREA DO NOT GO. You will be very sad and lonley. Other than that the piece was interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much for your words, Derek. Your comments are very dear to my heart and I will take them with me everywhere I go. You have opened my eyes and I am eternally grateful to you.
I believe one omnipotently wise Being once said, “Do not bear false witness.” That kind of says it all.
Well done, Brady.
That does seem to ring a bell. Good call!