Your authenticity is just the algorithm...

Breaking Free ◤◥

Authenticity is a buzzword we hear everywhere these days.

It’s preached by social media platforms, marketed by brands, and sold by influencers.

48% of posts mention it, reflecting the struggle to show more authentic.

But there’s a catch: the "authenticity" we often see isn't truly authentic. It’s curated, polished, and shaped to fit an algorithm, a trend, or an audience.

What’s missing in all of this is the authenticity of being you—the real, unfiltered version of yourself that doesn't rely on what the platform demands.

Let’s talk real about a different kind of authenticity—the authenticity of being you.

Don't shout out your authenticity. Less is more.

Disconnect authenticity from the algorithm ▲

Most platforms today want you to fit into a particular mold.

There’s an unwritten rulebook that tells you how to be "authentic".

But it’s often more about following trends than sharing your true self.

For example, Instagram encourages polished, visually perfect content. TikTok thrives on viral trends, and LinkedIn expects a professional tone that fits neatly into a corporate image.

While these types of content may be popular, they don’t represent the real you. Instead, they reflect what the platform wants or expects.

True authenticity doesn’t bend to these external pressures. It’s messy, it’s raw, and it doesn’t fit neatly into a content calendar.

It’s the real you—unfiltered, unpolished, and sometimes imperfect.

Most platforms want you:

• To use specific tones.
• To follow content trends.
• To match the "authentic aesthetic."

But this isn’t you. It’s conformity wrapped in a buzzword and it's evolving you.

Remember: algorithm is a function, and you have a role in it.

Step 1: Define "You" ▼

The first step in embracing authenticity is understanding who you are.

This is the foundation of all authentic expression. To do this, take a step back and reflect:

• What do I genuinely care about?
• What message do I want to share, even if it’s not what’s trending right now?
• What aspects of myself am I hesitant to express?

Authenticity starts with honesty—first and foremost with yourself.

It’s not about oversharing or being vulnerable for the sake of it.

It’s about understanding your core values and what you want to express, without worrying about what others think.

Step 2: Question the platforms’ version of authenticity ▼▲

Think about how platforms shape our perception of what’s "real."

Instagram promotes a perfect image, TikTok thrives on viral trends, and LinkedIn expects polished professionalism.

These norms create a version of authenticity that’s often more about fitting in than standing out.

When you consume content, ask yourself:

• Am I following a trend because I enjoy it, or because it’s what I think the platform expects?
• Does my content reflect my voice, or am I just trying to sound like someone else?

By questioning these pressures, you can start to reclaim your authenticity.

Instead of conforming to what’s popular or what’s expected, focus on expressing your true self.

Step 3: Embrace imperfection ?

One of the biggest misconceptions about authenticity is that it means perfection.

In reality, authenticity is about embracing your flaws, quirks, and contradictions.

It’s about showing up as you are, without the need to be flawless.

There are several reasons why imperfection is so powerful:

• Relatability: People connect more deeply with struggles than with highlight reels. Sharing your challenges makes you more human.
• Trust: When you present your real self, people feel they're seeing the real you, not a polished version created for an audience.

So, don’t be afraid to show your imperfections.

Let people see the authentic story behind your journey.

Authenticity is not perfection. It’s embracing your flaws, quirks, and contradictions.

Step 4: Experiment without fear ??

Authenticity isn’t static; it evolves as you grow. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your content and voice.

Share ideas that you’re still figuring out, try new formats, or explore new topics that excite you—even if they feel unpolished at first.

It’s important to remember that there’s no "right" way to be authentic.

You might try something new that doesn’t resonate with your audience, and that’s okay.

• Share thoughts you’re still searching for.
• Try new approaches, even if they feel incomplete.
• Test different styles until you find what feels right for you.

The key is to keep experimenting until you find what feels true to you.

Step 5: Set boundaries ??

Being authentic doesn’t mean you have to expose every aspect of your life.

Setting boundaries is an essential part of maintaining your authenticity.

Authenticity should empower you, not drain you.

Think about the aspects of your life you want to keep private.

You can be real without oversharing, and you can set limits on what you’re comfortable sharing with your audience.

Authenticity doesn’t mean you need to reveal everything.

Know your non-negotiables. Ask yourself:

• What boundaries do I need to protect my mental health?
• How can I be honest while maintaining professionalism?

The benefits of being your true self ▲▼

When you embrace the authenticity of being you, the benefits are clear:

• You stand out: Platforms reward originality, even if they pretend not to.
• You attract the right audience: People who resonate with your authentic voice will engage more deeply with your content.
• You enjoy the process: Creating content becomes fulfilling and meaningful when it reflects your true self, not a version created for the algorithm.

At the end, you will be the winner.

Authenticity is a journey ?

There’s no formula for being authentic.

It’s a continuous process of learning, growing, and staying true to yourself—even when it doesn’t fit the platform’s definition.

So, step back. Reflect. And commit to your authenticity—not the one the algorithm demands.

Let the world see the real you—because that’s the story worth telling.

Authenticity isn’t something you perfect overnight.

It’s an ongoing journey of self-discovery, growth, and expression.

• The key is to keep evolving, stay true to yourself, and stop worrying about fitting into someone else’s mold.
• The more you embrace your real self, the more your audience will connect with you on a deeper level.

That’s the version of you that truly matters.

So, the next time you create content, ask yourself:

Am I doing this because it’s true to me, or because it fits the expectations of the platform?

Choose authenticity—not the one dictated by algorithms, but the one that comes from within.

Books suggestion:

"The Gifts of Imperfection", by Brené Brown

In this book, Brown explores the concept of authenticity but also discusses how modern society, especially through social media, encourages the performance of a curated, idealized self. Brown highlights the pressure to meet certain standards of "perfection" that social media often promotes, while also teaching how to embrace vulnerability and imperfection in a way that aligns with true authenticity. This book is great for understanding the contrast between real and fake authenticity, especially in the age of social media.        

"Untamed", by Glennon Doyle

Doyle’s memoir delves deeply into rejecting societal expectations and embracing personal authenticity. She touches on the idea of "performing" for others and how social media perpetuates a false narrative of who we are. Throughout her book, Doyle calls for women (and people in general) to stop living by others' standards and to choose authenticity over the curated, filtered persona often portrayed online. It's an inspiring read for anyone trying to escape the trap of fake authenticity in favor of true self-expression.        

Both books address the pressures of social media and societal expectations.

Help readers recognize the differences between the real self and the often performed, fake authenticity promoted online.

Your support is important and will fuel my energy and motivation to continue. The decision is yours, and I’m here to listen you!

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