Online vs Reality: the disconnect

Am I just one comic reel? It depends on who you ask really...

Lately, I met with friends whom I had not seen for a while. We caught up, and the topic of online platforms came up, with a friend remarking that they had seen my recent content. I post a range of content on Instagram and had to clarify with them WHICH one they meant in particular, because there is a difference between the dancing, the comedy, the photos, the activism etc. This particular scenario was about my fake hair reveal, which, funnily got more attention than my actual hair reveal. It was interesting because people do tell me how they find my content when I meet them, and it feels strange to discuss it because it feels like another person and not me.

It can feel a bit embarrassing because with posting online, you don't see people's faces or reactions as such unless they comment or message you, which requires action, something most people can't be bothered to do. But once you become aware of it in person, you can't stop thinking about how people really are watching your activities passively. I do it myself - I follow a lot of childhood friends, and despite not speaking in years, I know how they are doing from what they post.

It made me think about the difference between our online persona and our in-person persona. I once went to an event where a few people had seen me online and therefore felt like they knew me, despite not ever meeting in person. After a while, one of them turned to me and said I was a little different to what they had imagined. There was no elaboration on whether this meant I exceeded or disappointed expectations, but it stayed with me. What an odd thing to say. I don't know if it's true - I don't have a fake online persona and would say I am the same. It just made me think about how online content that people watch and consume can make them think that they know you, or are familiar with you.

I guess this is the same as having a blog. Most people aren't aware of my blogging (I think, anyway) and when I bring it up, they are surprised. And those who read my blogs assume I am either intelligent or an overthinker. Perhaps both or neither are true.

There is a disconnect between the online perception and the real-life people we present as. Behind screens, we may feel more comfortable sharing things we never would have before. One of the reasons I still blog is that I want to explore and debate topics, but in a space where it is constructive. People can still comment on the blogs and share their views and get involved, but usually, they will read it as another post and move on, allowing me to speak into the vacuum that I have created. I know people who feel much more confident posting content but not physically showing up in reality, because there is less of an expected pressure. With this blog, I don't have to think about what people will say in response or if it is too rambly, or informal, or too me, even. You only read as much as you want before you decide it is no longer interesting.

So, am I different in person? Not intentionally. Maybe we all present better once we have chosen a nice filter, agonised over the song for the April photo dump, and carefully crafted a caption that screams unique in a sea of somebodies.

Dear reader, if you made it this far, let me know what you think of my online vs offline persona if we ever meet...

The author in a mirror selfie - what version is real?

#online #persona #disconnect #onlinevsoffline #reality #socialmedia

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