Damn this article hit me at the right time. I just finished doing an hour and a half long stream and hours of post stream work. My wife saw all the work I had put into it and was concerned. She was worried I was doing all this work to make something that few if any would ever see. I told her I was building experience and surface area for my online presence to help her understand. But in my mind, I knew I had performed for an imaginary audience that mostly didn't exist, like all good streamers do. Doing my best to bring my true self to viewers.
Authenticity as a brand has become more widespread in recent years, but do we really want it? There are several environments like politics or in the military where being too real is a road to ruin. True authenticity takes time to reveal and to appreciate, I'd argue most aren't willing to take the time.
So that leaves us with what you've said a world where the masks of technology are sold and offered at every corner. A society where no one really knows anyone or trusts anyone, I see some of that playing out now. But I also see small groups and communities taking the time to nurture true authenticity facilitated by technology. It's harder to find on the stage of life, but so valuable when I do.
Damn this article hit me at the right time. I just finished doing an hour and a half long stream and hours of post stream work. My wife saw all the work I had put into it and was concerned. She was worried I was doing all this work to make something that few if any would ever see. I told her I was building experience and surface area for my online presence to help her understand. But in my mind, I knew I had performed for an imaginary audience that mostly didn't exist, like all good streamers do. Doing my best to bring my true self to viewers.
Authenticity as a brand has become more widespread in recent years, but do we really want it? There are several environments like politics or in the military where being too real is a road to ruin. True authenticity takes time to reveal and to appreciate, I'd argue most aren't willing to take the time.
So that leaves us with what you've said a world where the masks of technology are sold and offered at every corner. A society where no one really knows anyone or trusts anyone, I see some of that playing out now. But I also see small groups and communities taking the time to nurture true authenticity facilitated by technology. It's harder to find on the stage of life, but so valuable when I do.