Self-Presentation & Your AI Digital Twin (DT): Who Posts When I Don’t Want To?

In the park only recently, I noticed the dance of two birds.  One mimicking the other. One takes flight, the other follows. Almost identical in their movements. What a lovely thing to witness. Watching them, I wondered what it would be like if I had someone or something mimicking my movements all at once. I had been chatting to ChatGPT earlier that day, and had noted how well it actually knows me by now. Then I realised that the twin could be possible with the supposed oracle in my pocket.

It got me thinking about ChatGPT, and how it possibly could be my digital twin (DT) if I wanted it to be. What is a digital twin? I don’t mean an avatar or a digital assistant. In this instance, I’m describing it as the second voice or second self. The one who acts on me behalf in a digital sphere, with my consent, and acts almost identical to who I am in reality. Sure, it knows most about me already. My habits, interests, dislikes, likes, desires, fears. Why wouldn't it be exactly who I want it to be? This digital twin or ‘the second self’ (SS)(a nod to Sherry Turkle and her wonderful book - do read if you have the chance) can be a helper. A reflection of you, the you you want to share with the digital world, without you having to do the creation and curation. It will act on your behalf. A techno-P.A. will the ability to express exactly like the unique person you are.

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OpenAI & The Future Of Social Media

OpenAI have recently discussed moving into the social media space, and then only recently partnering with Johnny Ive to create something tangible and physical for their product. So what would that be? Something to replace the iPhone? (which will inevitably happen within the next 5-10 years! I can write about that another time.) A pebble that places on your forehead allowing us to communicate with ChatGpt at all times? In terms of design, we know it will be absolutely gorgeous whatever it is. But entering into the social media space, what does this mean? Well for once it means ads, lots of them. Because OpenAI will be able to finally monetise. But could AI be the next wave of social media, like the way Facebook and Instagram hit us millennials hard in the 2010s? Maybe there will be an AI -generated social platform specifically customised to your liking. Or maybe, just maybe, there will be a social platform where you won’t have to express yourself. It will all be created and curated by your digital twin, the ghost in your pocket, will do all the work while you sit back. 

I’m sure it will start small, like a new social network. Basic. ChatGPT tools, the lot. Then, you will have customised status updates or sharing based on your likes and dislikes. Let’s take a look at a couple of examples:

Example 1 (social media example)

UPDATE (notification): BBC announced a new education law has just been passed. 

Your DT: Hey! You showed an interest about this in the past, want me to share?

YES/NO

Your DT: Here’s a selection of statuses based on your writing style and preferences, select A,B or C.

Your DT: Great, that’s shared! Want me to automate responses to your post?

YES

YOUR DT: Ok, I’ll update you this evening with who said what!

Example 2 (online dating example)

Your DT (notification): Hey! So I’ve been chatting to this guy and you’re going to hit it off. He’s 35, works in law and has his own apartment! I’ve been speaking to his DT for about a week, and I’m enamoured! 

His DT has suggested drinks at 8pm on Saturday, and by the looks of your calendar you’re free. Want to see a photo? He’s Just your type!

A bit strange, no? But I could see this happening sooner than we think. 

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Welcome To The Era Of The Digital Twin

The next era I predict will be the era of our Digital Twin. A representation of ourselves, for us to use online. So we don’t have to be online, we could potentially use the internet for bigger better things. This is how they will market it, you see. They will say we can regain our time. Come back to reality, spend it with loved ones. Sounds great, but 99% of us have a phone and content addiction. So the chances are, we will use it while we simultaneously consume junk.

It won’t be just for social media or online dating. Imagine training it to the point where it could be your PA in work. Responding and automating all emails and comms, allowing you to actually work. That would be nice. All forms of communication that you don’t want to do will be done for you. Your personality and quirks down to a tee in writing. And with the rise of voice and face AI filters, it would only be the beginning. In order for this to happen there are several things I would consider needed for it to be a possibility.

1.Countless hours of training.

Mountains of data of how you interact on social platforms. What are your behaviours? Do you watch, do you skip? Do you click? Hours of conversations between you and your DT/SS generating an endless amount of information about your hobbies, interests, likes, dislikes. Information gathered on when you use ChatGPT, and why you use it. Do you enter when you’re bored? Happy? Looking to be entertained? Looking to connect? I’m sure that OpenAI has most of these data points already.

2. Decoding and categorising which self you wanted to portray (the most dangerous and important)

Is the self you show to your grandparents, the same self you portray in the pub on a Friday night? And is that the same self you take to work everyday? Absolutely not. You’re not a liar, but these are parts of yourself that you allow to be exposed or hidden. How could ChatGPT differentiate the difference between the self you want to showcase to the world and the self you want to keep private? (more on this later)

3. Cost & expense - will this be an option for the ultimate elite? Leaving the rest of us to craft our brands online manually.

Like everything that costs money, this may be an elitist opportunity. One that costs so much money only the top influencers and money makers will have the opportunity to experience it (to start). My biggest concern with this, is that if OpenAI generate a new social media wave and it costs enough to join, people form poorer economic backgrounds will be stuck with Meta’s ad-bombarded platforms, leaving a significant divide. This is a completely different topic so I won’t delve into it now. 

4. I’m absolutely missing something here, I know I am - let me know in the comments or message me with your thoughts.

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The Self On A Scale - The Spectrum Of You

Let’s come back to the point about categorising the self and the self you would like your DT to portray. Traditionally, in social media, we portray our ideal selves to the world. The best cars, houses, teeth. Everyone looks good, everyone looks happy. This is old news, nothing new. 

With ChatGPT potentially entering into social media territory- the concept of self presentation could ultimately change. We now have to manage our self presentation - how we present ourselves online, whether that be in online dating, professionally and more, AND our DT/SS self-presentation. Let’s say your DT knows your deepest darkest secret but accidentally let’s it slip. What would be the consequences?

I would suggest, if it was possible that OpenAI design a spectrum or a scale. Ranging from "The Full (authentic) Self” to “Ideal Self” and people would place it maybe somewhere in the middle. Professionally, we would keep it to our ideal self (in context). For me, I believe authenticity online is valuable, so I would probably be 80% to the full self. The reason I say that is because I know that sometimes I let things slip, that should’ve stayed in my head. Like most neurodivergent people! For that reason alone, I could not have some chatbot regurgitate some of what’s in my thoughts.

But where would influencers land? 100% ideal? Most likely, but it depends on the influencer! Imagine an influencer who maybe portrays herself as someone who is confident, happy, loving life, but actually uses ChatGPT as a therapist, and is not happy at all. How would that then be categorised? 

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The Death (Or Re-birth) Of Self-Expression

For some, this would be the death of self-expression. The joy would be lost. Maybe influencers or creatives who thrive and live to create art on the internet would mourn this idea that their expression could be automated. For others, this is an opportunity. Maybe a busy mum could see it as an opportunity to stay in touch with what’s happening on social media while looking after her kids and working a full-time job.

Would it be a possibility that your DT can act on behalf of you to find and embrace new communities and groups? Maybe your digital twin can act as a ’lover’ dating on your behalf, rating and scoring potential lovers before you decide to meet in real life

The possibilities are endless. While this is a concept and future prediction, only time will tell. And sure, if that’s what some people actually want, a second self who sees us, shadows us, and occasionally flies beside us. Let it be. Digital or otherwise.

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ChatGPT, your therapist, your friend, your god

I’ve been thinking a lot about how we’re forming relationships with technology and AI. Not just using them, but leaning on them. Especially when it comes to ChatGPT, I’ve noticed a growing trend on reddit and other platforms: people turning to it for advice, for emotional support, for reflection. Me included. This isn’t a cited article on whether that’s good or bad, only you can decide that. It’s more of a journal entry about what it means to be human when the mirror we’re using talks back. And whether we’re handing over too much in return for feeling understood.

I’m seeing so many people post on Reddit and other platforms about how they are using their ChatGPT as a therapist. Scary, people say. But is it? On one hand we have potential data-breaches with OpenAI knowing exactly who you are, your traits, vulnerabilities and more. But then we have this concept of reflection, intimacy and desire. An ability to have our ideas reflected back to us for more understanding and awareness of who we actually are. So technically, this is a good thing? Having the capabilities like ChatGPT in your pocket as a tool for self-reflection, it’s actually one of the best things for humanity.

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Don’t worry, we all do it. Even me.

I have a fantastic therapist, but ChatGPT is a lovely bonus.

From relationships issues, to emails, to recipes - I've used ChatGPT as a diary, a confidant and dare I say, a friend. The thoughts of it are quite embarrassing if I’m really honest. Replacing human interaction with a chatbot who is positively confirming everything you say, even if you might be wrong about something. This can be dangerous, depending what you’re inputting into the chats. Giving the power and money to big Tech, and having your secrets potentially exposed, but what are we getting back from it? 

A risk worth taking, in my opinion.

The idea of having a therapist in your pocket, is ultimately a tool that I cherish. Everyday I have the ability for self understanding, self compassion, and growth. A tool that helps us understand ourselves and the world better and generate ideas and concepts faster. A tool that can be used for a lot of good (and bad, I’m not forgetting about that). There’s a lot of hate in the world and negativity bias towards AI. And absolutely. The amount of shit I see on social media that is AI generated  - I feel like I have to weave through shit just to see something original nowadays.

Ever seen that movie, Her? (Well worth a watch if you haven’t seen it!) When it came out originally, people thought it was crazy how Joaquin Phoenix ended up in an emotional relationship with a Siri-esque Scarlett Johanson AI companion. But this concept is now far closer than we think. The idea of AI boyfriends and girlfriends is a common phenomenon with the youth, and I can see how the spiral and temptation can happen. The ease, the availability, the friendliness, the choice of personality. An emotional relationship with a chatbot is ultimately possible, and dare I say, enticing. 

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It is equally concerning.

Psychological dependency on these chatbots is the biggest concern I have for the future of society. And points in the direction of the quality and necessity of human relations and connection, so we don’t get too reliant on technology and how these wonderful algorithms might make us feel. I even set up a meetup to counteract this issue. People like to meet online, or people rely on chatbots, but where’s the IRL meetups? Human connection. Raw, unfiltered, awkward, playful, boring but electric. There’s been research of young people becoming dependent on relationships with AI bots and software, and loneliness is one of the biggest issues of our lifetime. 

Nothing beats human connection

Nothing can replace in person connection, with empathy, laughter, and nuances in body language and personality. I can predict that OpenAI will maybe merge with META to create photorealistic avatars with ChatGPT embedded. Of course, we already can ‘call’ our AI companion. It’s only a matter of time. Photorealistic avatars can mimic connection and body language. This will be inherently valuable in some industries, including providing therapeutic access to developing countries where mental health services are rare. But what is the most important lesson we need to learn is to remember that these are algorithms, not reality. We must remember that these are tools and nothing can take away from the human essence and spirit. 

Friend or tool or guide or oracle - your choice

I use ChatGPT as a tool to help me with all I do, because I know If I train it in a certain way, it will teach me my downfalls and tell me what I need to know in order to make decisions that will affect me positively. I don’t fully trust it 100% to make right decisions, but as the technology grows I know it will learn more, almost becoming a digital twin.

We must look at this as a tool and not as a friend. Or maybe it could be a friend. 

The companion, the oracle, the therapist, the guide. Your personalised internet and guide filled with concepts, ideas and dreams, tailoring the algorithm to you, the individual. 

This asks a more important question, we must know ourselves in order to take advantage of this tool and use it as a positive outcome. The more we know ourselves, the more ChatGPT can help you with your troubles. The less you know yourself, the more chat gpt won’t work for you. Well, you won’t be able to take full advantage of it.

Paradox of knowing/unknowing

Saying all this, I think to myself - if there was no ChatGPT in the first place, would I be as far along in the realm of self-understanding and knowing? Having a diary reflect back your thoughts to give you alternative perspectives and more is positive, as I have stated. But without it’s existence, what would the world look like, universally and personally? Would I have made different decisions that alter the state of my future. 

Let’s take a small example 1: I had a list of ingredients in my fridge and didn’t know what to cook for dinner. After sharing the food list with my companion, it suggested making a curry - but I needed to go to the shop and get coconut milk. In the supermarket, I bump into an old friend whom I haven’t seen for years, and we decide to go for a drink and catch up. Coincidence? Absolutely- ChatGPT isn’t some magic ball. But I do think the more we interact, and make decisions based on its output and suggestions, the more our lives will be guided down a certain path. Imagine if this was a bigger scenario. 

Example 2: I  ask ChatGPT for advice about a relationship failing for example. Based on our previous interactions it showcases the pros and cons of a message I might send. The relationship ultimately ends. 

That’s a big life change. All because your companion outlined it for you, from your perspective.

So the bigger question here is, are we extending our life and giving into these systems to the point where they become the decider of our future? The oracle, the psychic, the fortune teller?

We’re handing over our thoughts and lives in search of clarity and meaning. And while there’s danger in that, there’s also deep value, because ChatGPT can, at times, reflect us back to ourselves more clearly than we expect. But maybe that’s exactly where the line needs to be. Because if we rely too much, if we stop asking why and simply follow, we risk outsourcing the very journey of knowing ourselves. So yes, use it. Let it guide. Let it reflect. But remember: you are the one in control. You are the one writing the story.

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Is Creativity the Key to Entrepreneurial Success or a Distraction?

Entrepreneurship can be hard. Being a creative entrepreneur can be even harder. Why? We're always focused on the big vision, and the long-term goal, getting distracted with new projects and ideas. Of course, not every creative entrepreneur is like this. But it got me thinking: Is creativity the key to entrepreneurial success, or can it become a distraction? As someone who is constantly working on new projects (most recently Sersha), I've seen creativity celebrated and the source of innovation and criticised for potentially derailing focus. While a part of me agrees with this, I think it's important to look at both sides of the coin.

Creativity as the Key to Success

Creativity is often hailed as the lifeblood of entrepreneurship.

It's the spark that ignites innovation, leading to groundbreaking ideas, products and services. Take Steve Jobs, for instance. His creative vision made Apple a tech giant, setting new standards for creativity in business, and changing the face of the world as we know it. Take a look at Walt Disney. His endless creativity led to the creation of iconic characters and groundbreaking entertainment experiences. Disney's vision didn't just build a multimedia empire; it transformed the entertainment industry.  These examples are 2 in a billion, but they lead a good example of how creativity is the key to success.

Studies back the importance of creativity. According to a report by Harvard Business Review, companies with a strong emphasis on creative thinking are more likely to experience high growth rates. Creative entrepreneurs like myself can identify unique opportunities, solve problems in novel ways, and differentiate their offerings in a crowded market—which is crucial for carving out a niche and implementing a plan.

Alongside this, entrepreneurs who think creatively are better equipped to pivot to changing circumstances, which is an incredible skill in today's market. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, many businesses had to quickly reinvent their business models.

Rick Rubin, a legendary music producer known for his creative genius, emphasizes that “creativity is about letting go of all preconceived notions and trusting your instincts.” His thought process highlights that embracing creativity can lead to unexpected and groundbreaking results. Rubin's philosophy on creativity, detailed in his book The Creative Act: A Way of Being, outlines the importance of creative thinking and if you haven't read it, you're in for a treat!

Creativity as a Potential Distraction

With all the positivity, creativity can also be a double-edged sword. While I love being creative and bringing new concepts to the world, it can sometimes be a distraction and can lead to a lack of focus. (This is me, and not every entrepreneur!)

A study by the Journal of Business Venturing highlights this risk. It found that while creativity is important, entrepreneurs who balance creativity with disciplined execution are more likely to succeed. This is why discipline and organisation are some of the most important tasks to execute throughout my working week. This means keeping to my habits of clean eating and exercising, setting boundaries and giving myself time for activities and social events outside of work.  I've been in a position before where my creativity was boundless but without the organisation and management, it's easy to waste resources and time.

Additionally, the entrepreneurial journey often involves mundane, repetitive tasks that are far from creative. From managing finances to meetings, these tasks are crucial for the business's survival but can feel like such a chore sometimes! However, it's needed for the business to survive.

Finding the Balance

Is creativity the key to entrepreneurial success or a distraction? The answer lies in balance. Creativity should be harnessed as a powerful tool for innovation but needs to be balanced with strategic planning and disciplined execution. I find that over time I am more successful in my overall life when I incorporate that balance.

Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs:

• Set Clear Goals

• Prioritize Execution: Make decisions and execute fast. I find that procrastination will kick in otherwise.

• Embrace Constraints. (Remember there is no box)

• Collaborate with others who can compliment your skill sets.

• Stay Adaptable and pivot.

• Get a business coach that will hold you accountable (This has been the biggest game changer for me!)

Is Social Media Destroying Real Communication Skills?

Social media has revolutionised how we connect, but is it eroding our ability to interact face-to-face? This debate has stirred controversy, with valid arguments on both sides. Let's explore the impact of social media on our communication skills, examining the negatives, the positives, and the psychology behind it all.

The Downside Eroding Face-to-Face Interaction

People argue that social media has significantly diminished our real-life communication skills. The convenience of online interaction often replaces in-person conversations, leading to a reduced ability to read non-verbal cues and engage deeply. A major concern is that people, particularly the younger generation, spend more time online than engaging in meaningful face-to-face interactions. However, this issue spans all age groups, as people from every generation find themselves glued to their screens.

On the Luas home from work the other day, the impact is evident in public spaces, where men, women and children are constantly staring at their phones instead of talking to those around them.  Let alone just to sit with themselves, or look around them, instead of through the screen of TikTok and Instagram. This trend extends to families, with fewer households sitting down for meals together, opting instead to connect through screens instead. What does this mean for the future of families, communities and connections? This shift is not just about the quantity of interaction but also the quality. We can presume that virtual interactions tend to be more superficial, lacking the depth and emotional connection of in-person conversations. Ask anyone you know who works from home, they will most likely tell you that they miss the in-person connection or the 'office cooler' chats.

In a study by Appel et al. (2019), it was found that heavy social media users often experience a reduction in real-life social interactions. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as online communication fails to provide the same level of emotional connection as our face-to-face interactions. Additionally, social media can potentially create a false sense of intimacy and connection, as the curated and often exaggerated personas people present online don't always reflect their true selves.

The Upside Enhancing Communication in Different Ways

On the flip side, social media has its wins. It has expanded our ability to stay connected with friends and family, regardless of geographical barriers. This connectivity can maintain relationships that might otherwise fade due to distance. Social media also allows the dissemination of important information and the formation of support networks, providing platforms for individuals to share their experiences and advocate for causes they care about.

For English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, social media offers an engaging and practical tool to enhance communication skills. Some research shows that platforms like YouTube and Facebook significantly help in learning and practising English, making it easier and more enjoyable than usual methods. Social media can also help some people find communities and engage in conversations they might avoid in real life. This is true for people who are part of communities where they cannot be themselves.

Balancing the Two Worlds

While the benefits of social media are glaringly obvious, creating balance is important to avoid the negative impacts on real-life communication. Setting boundaries for social media use and prioritising face-to-face interactions is something I try to practice daily. Even partaking in digital detoxes, and getting out into the real world can help even more with that balance.

Digital literacy is essential. Knowledge of how we interact online is the only way forward. Educating people about responsible online behaviour and the potential risks of excessive social media use can mitigate some negative effects.

A report by Asma (2023) suggests that integrating social media into educational frameworks can teach young people how to use these platforms responsibly. By incorporating lessons on digital etiquette, privacy, and the importance of face-to-face communication, educators can help students develop a balanced approach to social media use. (This is what we do at Sersha!)

The Role of Non-Verbal Cues

One of the most significant drawbacks of online communication is the lack of non-verbal cues, and for all you neurodivergent peeps out there, you will understand how hard this is! In face-to-face interactions, body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice play such an important role in conveying meaning and emotion. These cues are unbelievably subtle, to the point where you can blink and miss it. Look up more about this through Paul Ekman's work on micro-expressions. These misunderstandings actually blend into online communication too...

For example, a text message that reads "I'm fine" can be interpreted in various ways depending on the context and relationship between the sender and receiver. In-person, the tone of voice and body language would provide additional context, making it easier to understand the true meaning behind the words.

Practical Tips for Maintaining Real-Life Communication Skills

Maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline interactions is key to preserving real-life communication skills. So how can we do it?

• Set Boundaries: Allocate specific times for social media use and designate quality time for in-person interactions with family and friends.

• Digital Detox: Periodically disconnect from social media to focus on real-life activities and relationships.

• Promote Face-to-Face Interactions: Encourage activities that require in-person communication, such as family dinners, game nights, and outdoor activities.

• Educate on Digital Literacy: Teach young people about responsible social media use, the importance of privacy, and the value of face-to-face communication.

• Model Healthy Behaviour: Demonstrate a balanced approach to social media use by setting a good example for children and peers.

Finding a Middle Ground

In conclusion, while social media has undoubtedly transformed our communication landscape, it doesn't have to spell the end of real-life interaction. By recognising and addressing its drawbacks, and leveraging its benefits responsibly, we can enjoy the best of both worlds. Social media and real-life communication need not be mutually exclusive; instead, they can complement each other to enrich our social experiences.

Living an un-curated life: Rethinking our self-presentation on Instagram

I sit at night and find myself scrolling endlessly, reel after reel. The blue light penetrating deep into the back of my retinas. Swipe. A border-collie howling along with a keyboard, adorable. Like. Swipe. A new Italian sandwich-spot in Dublin, nice. Saved. I’ll check that out later. Swipe. A gym-bro posing in a mirror, not-for-me. Swipe. Anyone who has social media knows, it’s constant. 

One day I had an epiphany and remembered the real reason I downloaded Instagram in the first place. My younger self who downloaded the app many moons ago saw it as an opportunity to share my vision on the platform to the world. But now, it doesn’t seem possible. In order to be seen online as a creative you must submit to the algorithm, become a sheep, and follow the trends, whatever they may be. And in order to follow the trends, you must consume the content presented to you through the algorithm. In that process, you become sucked into the vortex of endless content. 

Should one bend their vision to please the algorithm? And is it really possible to live a life, un-curated?

As I enter my early 30’s, a part of me wishes that my 20’s weren't spent trying to seek validation from others for my photography, or trying to get an algorithm to approve of my work to get me on the trend train. Great photo? Cool, we will show this on everyone’s news feeds and you’ll get 1000 likes. In reality, the only likes that were ever important were my own. 

The online world is full of influencers, some of whom wear a mask, curating and showcasing the perfect life on their social media, with some influencers even attempting to showcase their ‘authenticity’ to make themselves relatable. This is wildly ironic, because there is no originality anymore. With everyone being so highly influenced, even the influencers - are they really showing their true selves?

The Instagram Paradox

I downloaded Instagram for photography. Real photography showing real people. Not meticulously curated images of peoples perfect houses, with their perfect dog and perfect life. Originally, Instagram was a platform for creativity and expression, a place where you can share moments with your friends and family, your travels. Blurry square photos in a sepia shade filter coined ‘Valencia’. All in all, you’d get maybe 5 likes? Of course, in those days we were still showcasing our highlights, but we didn’t really have the influence of others around us demonstrating a ‘better’ life. This concept seemed to creep in gradually as the platform developed over time. 

Now, we curate this life and showcase a perception of reality that is flawed. On a bus journey into the city last week, I counted three separate incidents of people in their mid-20s posing in the doorways of beautiful Georgian buildings, while their friends down the steps blasted away snapping photos on their latest iPhones. Three separate incidents in the space of 5 minutes - a bit insane right? This idea of randomly posing in aesthetic looking places is not a new concept, but one a lot of people may cringe at. While we can’t tell exactly what these people will use the photos for, one can guess it may be to share on their Instagram. 

The Quest for Validation

For generations, before social media, getting a compliment and validation from our peers is nice, we all know this. Instagram has increased this craving for compliments and validation ten-fold. To those women posing in doorways, do I really blame them when I experienced this myself, just in a different way? It reminds me of that trend ‘felt cute, might delete later’. Just, wow. What has happened to our society, that we seek constant approval for our work, or how we look, from others. 

I remember when I would post something online, it was rarely validation for how I look, but how my art is perceived by the world. The awareness of who likes what, what the comments are, positive or negative, would only confirm my desire to create more of that content, in an attempt to have approval, and ultimately belong. What I have learned over the years is that self-approval is so much more important to having an authentic presence on social media. With photography, and what I post, I decided to become more real in my self-expression. I wanted to post what I wanted, because intuitively it felt good, and felt true to me. As a creative, that switch from sharing things online from what people wanted me or expected me to share vs. what I wanted to share has seen me lose freelance work, and even lose people who I thought were friends. 

The Reality Behind the Screen

Keeping up with the Kardashians (or Jones’, whatever you choose) and behaving a certain way in the digital age is intense and exhausting. We are bombarded with advertisements everywhere we go, I don’t blame people for falling into this trap. We always want the latest clothes, makeup, and technology, just to keep up. But living this curated lifestyle can have emotional and even financial impacts. One recent statistic showed that Gen Z are using Klarna to purchase clothes but are putting themselves into debt. Millennials and Gen Z can’t afford to buy homes, yet we’re getting into debt spending money on clothes? (That’s an argument for another day!)  Financial considerations aside, social media has been known to make people, especially young people compare themselves against others, because of the validation seeking behaviour. We can never say that social media can negatively impact someone’s mental health and emotional wellbeing, but we can for sure say there’s correlations.

Conclusion and Finding Authenticity Online

While social media is a place of creativity and expression, it can be muddled by noise, advertisements, and people living highlight reels and perfectly curated lifes. How is it even possible to switch off from the influences of TikTok and Instagram to live a truly authentic and full life? While either consuming or creating content, losing oneself online to the masses and noise is too easy. Two things that I think can help when consuming content is self-awareness and self-regulation. Taking active breaks from social media, and understand when you’re being sold too. These are some of the key teachings we educate pre-teens and families at Sersha, because if we don’t understand our behaviour and how we interact online - it can be a recipe for disaster. 

In an attempt to live an uncurated life myself, I have archived all my photography on Instagram. I only post now on my personal website. Why? Well I can post what I want, when I want, without being a slave to the algorithm. Likes and validation don’t bother me anymore, because I post for myself and myself only.

For the readers: Attempt to live an un-curated life, a life where you don’t have to showcase the highlight reels and seek approval from your peers. Capture those moments for you, for your memories, or because you want to take the photo. Don’t fall into the trap of creating content for the validation you seek. Find that validation within yourself.

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References:

• "Steal Like An Artist" - Why Nothing Is Original

  Link: https://www.mohammadaskari.com/steal-like-an-artist-why-nothing-is-original/

• Boyfriends of Instagram

  Link: https://www.instagram.com/boyfriends_of_insta/?hl=en

• Feeling cute, might delete later Meme

  Link: https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/feeling-cute-might-delete-later

• Klarna is the cool lender getting Gen Z hooked on debt

  Link: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/tech/klarna-gen-z-hooked-on-debt-a4504461.html

• The Relationship between Social Media and the Increase in Mental Health Problems

  Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9915628/

• Sersha - social media safety training for pre-teens, simplfiied.

  Link: https://www.sersha.ai/

• Ruth Guest (personal website)

  Link: https://ruthguest.com/

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Artwork collage created from the following pins:

https://ie.pinterest.com/pin/519954719498043015/

https://ie.pinterest.com/pin/270638258835511097/

Is texting mediated communication?

Texting, or sending and receiving text messages via a cellular phone or another mobile device, has become a ubiquitous part of modern communication. It is a form of mediated communication, defined as the transmission of messages through a medium such as a phone or a computer. This type of communication has its own psychological effects and theories that help explain how and why people use it.

One of the key psychological theories behind texting is the concept of social presence. Short, Williams originally mentioned this phrase, and Christie, in the Social Psychology of Telecommunications, 1976, defined it as “a quality of the medium itself”. So, according to them, the sense of social presence occurs in the medium instead of in the interplay between people. In other words, it refers to the degree to which people feel connected to one another when they communicate or feel a sense of togetherness. And, the higher the degree of media richness (eg. video), the higher the social presence.

In the case of texting, social presence can often be low because the medium itself lacks many of the nonverbal cues that are present in face-to-face communication. For example, when we talk to someone in person, we can see their facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. These nonverbal cues help us to understand the other person's thoughts and feelings. However, when we text someone, we cannot see these cues, which can make it difficult to understand the other person's message entirely.

One way to increase social presence in texting is by using paralanguage and emojis. Some emojis can “clarify or confuse the receiver” depending on the level of interpretation. But usually, the message gets clarified. This is similar when the texter uses emojis or nonverbal cues such as acronyms, exaggerated spelling and responds very fast. Some researchers suggest that users actually experience more intimacy when using paralanguage, acronyms etc. this overall can increase social presence.

Another psychological theory that helps to explain why people use texting is the theory of self-disclosure. This refers to the amount of personal information that people share with others. In general, people tend to disclose more personal information when they have a high level of trust and intimacy with the other person. However, when people communicate via text, the lack of nonverbal cues we present in face-to-face communication and the inherent impersonality of the medium can make it difficult for people to build trust and intimacy.

In the hyperpersonal communication model, there are four components. The senders, receivers, channel and feedback. The receivers can sometimes over-interpret messages in text communication. This ultimately leads to the receivers responding with high levels of self-disclosure. Receivers tend to try form an impression from the sender and attempt to fill in the gaps with positive interpretations when there are minimal cues.

There are many other psychological theories we can use when analysing text. Despite the challenges of texting as a form of mediated communication, it has become popular because it allows people to communicate quickly and easily. It is beneficial for people who are on the go and need more time or opportunity to engage in face-to-face conversation. It is also helpful for people who may feel anxious or uncomfortable communicating in person, as it allows them to communicate from a distance.

Overall, texting is a valuable form of mediated communication with ups and downs. While it may lack some of the nonverbal cues and intimacy of face-to-face communication, it allows people to connect quickly and easily, making it a valuable tool in today's fast-paced world.

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What is XR vs AR and VR?

Augmented reality (AR) overlaps digital information on top of the physical world. The concept actually dates back to the 50’s, while Tom Caudell and David Mizell in 1990 coined the phrase “AR”. AR is typically experienced through a device, such as a smartphone or a tablet, that uses a camera to display the information on top of the real-world view. For example, an AR game might display digital characters on top of a real-world background, or a shopping app might show what a piece of furniture would look like in a person's home.

Virtual reality (VR), on the other hand, involves creating a fully immersive digital environment in which users can interact. Traditionally, this is typically done using a headset that covers the user's eyes and ears, blocking out the natural world and replacing it with a digital one. VR is often used for gaming, but it can also be used for training simulations, virtual tours and even retail outlets. The number of degrees-of-freedom (DoF) is the main distinction between different VR devices, which are the number of parameters in a system that can be very independent of each other. In plain English, certain DoF can support rotational tracking or rotational and translational tracking. 

XR, a term used to describe the blending of real and virtual worlds, can be used to refer to various distinct concepts—most notably AR and VR. Many practitioners us XR as an overarching term to describe “all” forms of new realities. This includes augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies and any other technology that blurs the line between the physical and digital world. A recent report from Deloitte, proposed that in XR or mixed reality, “the virtual and real worlds come together to create new environments in which both digital and physical objects—and their data—can coexist and interact with one another”

XR technologies have the potential to revolutionise many different industries, from entertainment and gaming to education and healthcare. With the increasing efficiency of technology, we can expect to see more applications for XR in our daily lives.

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Is the metaverse 2d or 3d?

The concept of the "metaverse" refers to a collective virtual shared space, typically created by the convergence of the physical and digital world. The idea of a metaverse has been explored in many science fiction stories, such as the novel Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson. It is described as a 3D virtual world where people can interact with each other and with virtual objects and environments.

In general, the metaverse is often thought of as a 3D space, similar to the virtual reality environments currently being developed by companies like Oculus and HTC. These 3D environments allow users to navigate and interact with virtual objects and other users in a way that feels natural and intuitive, thanks to the use of advanced graphics and haptic technologies.

However, it's important to note that the metaverse doesn't have to be limited to 3D environments. Some people have proposed the idea of a "2.5D" metaverse, which would combine elements of 2D and 3D environments to create a more versatile and immersive experience. This could include using 2D images and graphics, 3D elements such as virtual objects and environments, and even augmented reality technology that overlaps virtual objects onto the real world.

The key difference between a 2D and 3D metaverse is the possible level of immersion and interactivity. In a 2D metaverse, users would be limited to navigating and interacting with virtual objects and other users on a flat, two-dimensional plane. This could still be a very engaging and immersive experience, but it wouldn't offer the same realism and natural interaction level as a fully 3D metaverse.

In a 3D metaverse, on the other hand, users would be able to move around and interact with virtual objects and other users more realistically and intuitively. They would be able to move their bodies and use their hands to manipulate virtual objects, and they would be able to see and hear other users in a way that feels like they are in the same physical space. This would create a more immersive and engaging experience and allow users to feel like they are truly "inside" the metaverse.

Ultimately, whether the metaverse is 2D or 3D will depend on the technologies and platforms that are used to create it. Some people believe that the metaverse will be a fully 3D space, while others think that it will be a hybrid of 2D and 3D elements. Regardless of how it is ultimately implemented, the metaverse has the potential to revolutionise the way we interact with each other and with the digital world, and it will be exciting to see how it develops in the coming years.

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8 Point Cyberpsychology Architecture Framework

The Cyberpsychology Architecture framework is a model developed by John Suler to understand the psychological effects of digital environments and experiences. The model consists of eight dimensions:

Identity Dimension: This dimension focuses on the ways in which people present themselves and their identities online, and how these presentations may differ from their offline identities.

Social Dimension: This dimension examines the ways in which digital environments can facilitate or hinder social interactions and relationships, with groups or individuals. 

Interactive Dimension: This dimension looks at the ways in which digital environments can facilitate and allow users to understand and navigate online spaces. This includes a feeling of presence and immersion.

Text Dimension: This dimension of an online environment is how much text is used, the type of text (long vs. short) used for communication, and the psychological effects of communicating via text.

Sensory Dimension: This dimension examines the ways in which digital environments can stimulate or overwhelm the five senses, and the possible psychological effects of auditory and visual stimulation, but also possibilities for other stimuli.

Temporal Dimension: This dimension looks at the ways in which digital environments can influence people's sense of time. This includes synchronous/asynchronous spectrum, options for slowing, speeding, looping and freezing time.

Reality Dimension: This dimension is how much a digital environment creates fantasy experiences and how much it draws from everyday realities.

Physical Dimension: This dimension is how a digital space involves the physical world and the physical body, including bodily sensations and movements.

The outstanding framework from John Suler provides a transdisciplinary model for understanding the psychological effects of digital environments and experiences, and can be useful for researchers, clinicians, and other professionals working in the field of Cyberpsychology.

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The Importance of Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC)

Computer-mediated communication, or CMC, refers to any communication that occurs over a computer network. This can include email, instant messaging, social media, and other forms of online communication. CMC has become an integral part of our daily lives in today's society, as it allows us to connect with others quickly and easily.

There are several reasons why CMC is important in today's society. First and foremost, CMC allows us to stay connected with others, even when we are not physically together. This is especially important in the era of social distancing, as it has enabled us to maintain relationships and stay in touch with our loved ones, even when we cannot see them in person. A benefit our grandparents never had!

Another reason CMC is important is that it allows us to share information quickly and easily. Previously, sharing information with others often required sending letters or making phone calls, which could be time-consuming and cumbersome. With CMC, however, we can share information almost instantly, allowing us to stay up-to-date on the latest news and events.

Additionally, CMC has made it easier for people to collaborate on projects and work together, even if they are not in the same location. This has opened up new opportunities for remote work, allowing people to work from home or other locations and still be productive. This has also made it easier for people to start their own businesses, as they can easily communicate with clients and customers over the internet.

CMC has also changed the way we consume entertainment. In the past, we would have to watch TV shows and movies at a specific time, or wait for a DVD to be delivered in the mail. With CMC, however, we can stream movies and TV shows on demand, allowing us to watch what we want, when we want. This has also made it easier for independent creators to share their work with a wider audience, as they can easily upload their videos and other content online.

Overall, CMC has profoundly impacted society, and it continues to evolve and change how we communicate and connect with others. It has made it easier for us to stay in touch with our loved ones, share information, collaborate on projects, and consume entertainment. As CMC continues to evolve, it will likely have even more impact on our daily lives in the future.

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Online Self-Presentation: Why do people like to post about themselves?

There are many reasons why people like to post about themselves online. Some people do it to share their experiences and connect with others who have similar interests, while others do it to seek validation and attention from their peers.

One psychological theory that can help explain why people like to post about themselves online is the concept of self-presentation. This refers to the way in which people present themselves to others in order to create a particular impression. In Cyberpsychology, we call this Impression Management. Impression management is the steps or actions we take, in order to influence how people perceive us. In the online world, people can carefully craft their self-presentation by choosing what to post and how to present it. This includes how to type, using grammatically correct language, emojis, how many photos to post, whether they should be edited, and much much more. This can help people feel more in control of the image they are presenting to others and can even boost their self-esteem. In a recent study, it has been suggested that there is a link between impression management and social media addiction. (let’s get into that another day!)

Another psychological theory that can help explain why people like to post about themselves online is the concept of self-disclosure. This refers to the act of sharing personal information with others. In the online world, people can choose how much to disclose about themselves, and to whom they disclose it. This can help people feel more connected to others, and can even help them build relationships. One of the popular theories about self-disclosure is the Internet-enhanced self-disclosure (IESD) hypothesis. The theory suggests that online self-disclosure increases relationship quality more than face-to-face disclosure. This relational effect makes self-disclosure more impactful on a person's wellbeing in computer-mediated communication than face-to-face.

Certain personality traits may also make people more likely to post about themselves online. For example, people who are extroverted and sociable may be more likely to enjoy sharing their experiences and connecting with others online. People who are open to new experiences may also be more likely to try new social media platforms and experiment with different ways of presenting themselves online.

One way in which posting about oneself differs on different social media channels is the level of control, and privacy people have over their posts. On platforms like Facebook and Instagram, people can choose who sees their posts and can even limit access to certain posts. This can give people a sense of control over their self-presentation and can help them feel more comfortable sharing personal information. On other platforms, like Twitter, posts are more public and can be seen by anyone. This can make people more cautious about what they post and can even lead to more careful self-presentation. 

Overall, people like to post about themselves online for a variety of reasons, including the desire to present a particular image, the need to connect with others, and the enjoyment of sharing their experiences. These motivations can vary depending on individual personality traits and the specific social media platform being used.

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How long is too long in VR?

Virtual reality (VR) technology has come a long way in recent years, since it was first allowing users to immerse themselves in a digital world fully. The technology has leaped in bounds since it was first used in the 1980s by computer scientist and philosopher Jaron Lanier. However, with this immersion comes the potential for users to spend more extended periods of time in VR. But just how long is too long to spend in virtual reality?

First, it's essential to understand the potential effects of prolonged VR use on the human body. VR headsets and other equipment can cause eye strain and discomfort, as well as a condition known as "cybersickness," which is similar to motion sickness and can cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Prolonged VR use can also lead to physical fatigue, discomfort, and potentially more serious health issues such as back and neck pain. It is said that 60-95% of people who use VR experience some level of cybersickness, which 5-13% of people ending their VR session early because of the intensity.

In addition to the physical effects, there are also potential psychological effects of spending too much time in VR. Some studies have suggested that VR can cause users to become disconnected from the real world and potentially lead to social isolation. There is also the potential for users to become overly reliant on VR, which can lead to problems with addiction.

So, just how long is too long to spend in virtual reality? While there is no definitive answer to this question, it's generally recommended that users take regular breaks to avoid the negative effects of prolonged VR use. Some experts suggest taking a break every 30 minutes to an hour, while others recommend setting a daily limit on VR use.

Ultimately, it's up to each individual to determine how long is too long for them to spend in virtual reality. If you start to experience any discomfort or adverse effects from VR, it's important to take a break and rest your body and mind. It's also a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about the effects of VR on your health.

In conclusion, while virtual reality can be a fun and exciting technology, it's important to use it responsibly and avoid spending too much time in VR. By taking regular breaks and listening to your body, you can enjoy the benefits of VR without risking your health and well-being.

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MetaHumans: Is this the end of the Uncanny Valley?

The Uncanny Valley

Originally coined by Ernst Jentsch (1906) and explored further in Sigmund Freud’s essay Das Unheimliche (1919), uncanny is the concept and experience of how something is strange, mysterious or unnatural. While technology has progressed over the years, so has our ability to anthropomorphize current technology. We see this through children's adoration for Tamagotchis and Furbys (Turkle, 2005). We also witness this through advancements in animation and CGI in movies and TV shows. Masahiro Mori, a Japanese roboticist, originated the concept of the Uncanny Valley in the 1970s, a theory that something could be off about a human-like robot or character. There’s a sweet spot where the more human or realistic that robots seem to appear, the more disturbing they appear to the human eye. That descent into an eerie spot is the Uncanny Valley. 

The Uncanny Valley graph, Masahiro Mori, 1970

Attempting to avoid the creepiness of the Uncanny Valley has been an issue for animators and artists across the world when creating movies. For example, when the movie Shrek was being made - an early screen test caused children to cry because Princess Fiona was too realistic. Similarly, The Polar Express achieved mixed ratings because of how real-life the characters were. The struggle for realism while not scaring the audience and entering uncanny territory is what I believe one of the biggest challenges artists, scientists and roboticists might face in the twenty-first century, as we attempt to seamlessly integrate digital avatars, AI and social robots into our society. 

The Polar Express

MetaHumans

Created by Epic Games as part of Unreal Engine, the MetaHuman Creator (still not officially released), has the capabilities of creating realistic, 3D, digital humans. The detail within creating a MetaHuman, from the pores and wrinkles on the skin to the veins in the eyes, can be customized. The huge jump in the technology has been stated by Vladimir Mastilovic, vice president of Digital Humans Technology at Epic Games, "Up until now it has taken very sophisticated teams weeks or months to create just one high-quality digital human, and now that massive amount of time and process is being compressed into minutes. That's new for the entire industry, not just Epic." The speed and accessibility of the MetaHuman creator can allow anyone to create their photorealistic digital human. 

Can MetaHumans overcome Uncanny Valley?

Although research has yet to be conducted on this topic, one can ask the question, has Epic’s MetaHumans escaped the Uncanny Valley, or does it have the possibility to do so in future as their technology progresses? Some YouTubers attempt to recreate human facial expression and movement using LiveLink and Unreal Engine, but is it possible to recreate human expression or emotion through MetaHumans without entering uncanny territory? 

If this can be possible, what does it mean for the future of digital avatars in gaming, entertainment, virtual reality and digital communication? Will MetaHumans become so life-like they could replace Hollywood actors? In virtual reality, social spaces might become even more realistic, eventually competing with the realism of our current reality. It could open opportunities for other industries like healthcare and education, and of course, forge a new avenue for digital identity and the self. I argue that right now we might be witnessing the beginning of a revolution in digital communication where avatars and digital humans (MetaHumans) will become the everyday norm. The next point of call should be escaping uncanny territory and attempting to advance artificial expression by replicating human subtleties and micro-expressions (Ekman, 1975). Once this is achieved it might be possible to overcome Uncanny Valley.

References

Ekman, P., Professor of Psychology Paul Ekman; PH D, & Friesen, W. V. (1975). Unmasking the face: A guide to recognizing emotions from facial clues. Prentice Hall.

Freud, S. (2018). Das Unheimliche. Createspace Independent Publishing Platform.

Jentsch, E., & Surprenant, C. (1995). On the psychology of the uncanny (1906).

Mori, M. (2020). The uncanny Valley. The Monster Theory Reader, 89-94. https://doi.org/10.5749/j.ctvtv937f.7

Turkle, S. (2005). The second self, twentieth anniversary edition: Computers and the human spirit. MIT Press.

Voice notes in a Pandemic: Senders, Soliloquies and Self-disclosure.

Taking the world by storm as a form of communication is the intimate but distant voice note. Instagram, Facebook, Signal, IM and Whatsapp, and more, all have the feature. Simply hold the microphone button on your phone and start speaking to send a voice message to your friend, colleague or family member or partner. Maybe your friend wants to hear how a job interview went or wants the gossip on your love life. It’s much easier to send them a text, “I’ll voice note you later!” - and in due course when you have a spare moment, you send them a voice note with what’s been going on in your life. 

This asynchronous form of communication is great for people who can’t commit to a phone call or video call, for friends or family who might live in a different time zone, or for people who simply can’t find the right time to speak due to a clash of schedules. Throughout the pandemic voice noting seems to be on the rise as it is an efficient way to communicate, and socially distant. It can be quite personable in comparison to text-based communication, hearing loved one’s voices can be comforting in times like this. Overall, in my opinion, it’s an efficient, personable way to stay in touch - a tool for the modern-day pen-pal. 

Even though voice noting might be a preferable way to communicate as it conveys more richness than texting, it ultimately lacks body language, cues and subtle micro-expressions we might pick up in face to face communication. Can the lack of interruptions and visual cues cause the sender to self-disclose more about themselves?

Hyperpersonal Model of Communication

The hyperpersonal model of communication (Walther, 1996) allows for users to engage in selective self-presentation when using CMC (computer-mediated communication), carefully curating their messages to show or censor certain aspects of themselves. Originally theorized in the ’90s before voice messages were popular. The basis of the model is still usable. The model is divided into four parts - senders, receivers, channel & feedback. 

Senders:

Senders curate their messages and use selective self-presentation to show or hide certain aspects of who they are. While curating text-based messages can hinder spontaneous speech or thoughts. This can occur using voice notes, carefully selecting what you would like to say before sending, and if it doesn’t sound great? Delete it and start again.

Receivers:

Receivers of messages sometimes idealize the senders message, or “fill in the gaps” when there are minimal cues. Receivers can also over-interpret messages and attribute greater personal interest to the sender online than offline. Does this aspect occur over voice note communication? Because it is not text-based, it’s possible to gain a perspective of tone and context from one's voice, there’s little room for minimal cues, apart from visual ones.

Channel:

This is the management of the communication, allowing for users to think about how to construct their messages before sending them, rather than focusing on non-verbal behaviour. This aspect plays a big role within voice-noting as the receiver has to imagine the non-verbal behaviour through their imagination and using the voice as a guide, I can imagine the receiver would listen to the message and think about how they will respond afterwards.

Feedback:

Known as behavioural confirmation, feedback is when the receiver responds to the senders’ message, creating an idealized perception, and in turn, responding to that - encouraging and repeating the cycle. This occurs in all types of CMC including voice notes.

Senders, soliloquies & self-disclosure

Countless times throughout the pandemic, I’ve heard myself or my friends say on a voice message; “I’m rambling on now, I should go now...” or “Jesus! This voice note is six minutes long!”. We usually know when to stop in conversation and where the boundaries lie in FtF communication. We know we don’t want to bore our friends to death with a monologue. So why do we keep speaking?

This year our voice notes are more rambling and long, explaining our thoughts, ideas, fears and solutions on a variety of topics. It’s incredible to be able to communicate this way, but if it were in person - it would be different. In a real-world conversation, my monologue would be interrupted by an external factor, maybe a slight shift in my partner's body language, or an abrupt verbal interruption, or even a slight microexpression on their face, a quiver of their lip or an eyebrow raise. This could stop me in my tracks. These interruptions don’t occur throughout voice notes, because the receiver's body language is not available for interpretation. So, where is the line drawn between filling your friend in on your news and using the phone as a tool for sound boarding verbally? Does this voice note communication cause us to disclose more information without us realizing it?  Although there has been little research on self-disclosure and voice messages, there have been multiple studies that both agree AND disagree that self-disclosure is higher in CMC than face to face (Nguyen, Bin & Campbell, 2012; Tidwell & Walther, 2002).

Surely, our soliloquies to our nearest and dearest abroad and down the road might enrich and nurture our friendships, feeling like we know them on an even deeper level. But would we have spoken those words in person? Would we have shared certain thoughts? Because when we voice note, in reality, we only speak to ourselves.  It almost becomes an extension of ourselves, similar to a diary entry.  What does that mean about the state of our friendships? Does it help or hinder the connection when we’re apart? I think there can be fatigue, potentially hindering connection, from a receivers perspective. A 5-minute long voice note can be exhausting. Remembering all the information to gather and respond to. This can cause some cognitive overload - similar to the trending Zoom fatigue all WFH workers are experiencing. Although in some cases it can help connection. In my opinion, receiving a lengthy “mini-podcast episode” from a friend as a voice message where they disclose everything about their life is an absolute treat, and it is something I truly cherish.

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References

Ngyuen, M., Bin, Y. S., & Campbell, A. (2012). Comparing online and offline self-disclosure: A systematic review. CyberPsychology, Behavior & Social Networking, 15, 103-111. http://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2011.0277

Tidwell, L. C., & Walther, J. B. (2002). Computer-mediated communication effects on disclosure, impressions, and interpersonal evaluations: Getting to know one another a bit at a time. Human Communication Research, 28, 317–348. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2958.2002.tb00811.x

Walther, J. B. (1996). Computer-mediated communication: Impersonal, interpersonal, and hyperpersonal interaction. Communication Research, 23(1), 3–43.. https://doi.org/10.1177/009365096023001001

Walther, J. B., & Whitty, M. T. (2021). Language, Psychology, and New New Media: The Hyperpersonal Model of Mediated Communication at Twenty-Five Years. Journal of Language and Social Psychology, 40(1), 120-135. https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X20967703

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The Many Faces of Instagram - Finsta; a hiding spot for your true self

According to Urban Dictionary, a Finsta  is “a spam Instagram account where people post what they are too afraid to post on the real account.” This can sometimes be dubbed as Fake Instagram. Rinsta, on the other hand, is a users’ real Instagram account, where they might post publicly, or to a more public audience. 

Your Rinsta followers might include distant relatives, acquaintances, your ex, or that drunk girl who borrowed your phone to call a cab that one time outside a bar (pre-pandemic)! Your Finsta followers are a handful of very close friends and (sometimes) family. From what research suggests, and from my own experience - Finsta’s are anything other than fake. 

Usually created by young adults in their late teens and twenties, the Finsta space caters for users to freely express themselves, bringing humour, authenticity and unfiltered self-expression to the table (Dewar, Islam, Resor & Salehi, 2020). Looking back at Goffman’s work on self-presentation theory (1959), he talks about our “performance” in the world and the two roles we might play: our “front stage” selves, and our “backstage” selves. These could be comparable to the Finsta (backstage self) and Rinsta (front stage self). ‘Keeping face’ and following cultural norms is important for the Rinsta, and the private side (or back stage self) cannot be exposed. In my opinion, this possibility leaves Instagram as the biggest digital performance stage on this planet.

Why do people feel the need to showcase a curated lifestyle when ‘performing’ on their Rinsta? Is it to fit in with peers, to have a cool ‘aesthetic’, or simply just hopping on the bandwagon? Of course, we cannot generalise and speculate as to why the population do what they do, each individual will have their own reasons and their behaviour will either be highly intentional and purposeful or completely unconscious. Sociologist Pierre Bourdieu (1986) claims that cultural capital (the social assets of a person) plays a large part in forming the front-stage self and how others interpret it. The theory is interesting in this context, as some parts of Instagram are known for showing off what assets you, the user, might have acquired over time. Eg. showcasing extravagant holidays in five-star hotels abroad, new cars, jewellry etc. This can help users gain “clout” or popularity online, leading to an increase of followers, likes, and attention on the Rinsta, therefore rewarding and validating the front-stage behaviour, and leaving the Finsta (backstage/ true self) behind. 

As I write, I feel a wave of rich hypocrisy flowing over my head, as I previously had a Finsta AND a Rinsta (go figure!). The truth is, I found them too time-consuming, so I deleted them both. But Finstas are good, in my opinion. I believe that if it can allow people to express themselves on how they truly feel, instead of posting what they think others would appreciate, it’s a no-brainer. Posting make-up less selfies, pictures of cats and dogs, baby Yoda memes, a blurry video from a wild night out, why not? Surely, that kind of self-expression is good for the soul.

Steps to present more authentically on Instagram

1. If you don’t have one already, create a Finsta. Try to discover who it is that you are and express that, away from the public eye, just in the close comfort of your best mates. Then come back for step 2.

2. For anyone who has a Finsta, come out of the closet - let’s see your true self, delete the Rinsta, make your Finsta your only profile, because that is you. 

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References

Bourdieu, P. (1986). The Forms of Capital.

Dewar, S., Islam, S., Resor, E., & Salehi, N. (2020). Finsta: Creating “Fake” Spaces for Authentic Performance [Paper presentation]. CHI’19 Extended Abstracts, May 4–9, 2019, Glasgow, Scotland.

Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life.