Why Being Real On Social Media Isn't Real, an article, by Aaliyah Sharma

 Why Being Real On Social Media Isn't Real

  Lately, everyone seems to be obsessed with being “real” online. Whether it’s blurry photo dumps, unfiltered selfies, or posts on the BeReal app, it’s all meant to show authenticity. The idea sounds refreshing, a break from the perfect feeds and polished poses. But if we’re honest, even “being real” has become a kind of performance.

  Every post still involves a choice. We decide which pictures make it in and which ones don’t. Even when people post their “messy” moments, there’s usually some editing behind it, a certain angle, lighting, or timing that still makes it look put together. It’s not that anyone is being fake; it’s just that the internet is never completely unfiltered. Even honesty looks better with a little effort.

  I think part of the reason people want to look real is because social media can make life feel staged. Everyone wants to prove they are authentic while still being liked. But there is a difference between sharing reality and performing it. Sometimes, trying too hard to look genuine ends up being just another version of pretending.

  Maybe being real doesn’t mean showing everything. Maybe it means being okay with what isn’t shown, the parts that don’t need likes, captions, or proof. Real life doesn’t always need an audience, and maybe that’s what makes it real.

Thank you,

Aaliyah Sharma