Picture this: you’re scrolling through your social media feed on your phone, admiring the seemingly

perfect lives of influencers, you can’t help but envy their glamorous adventures, flawless appearances,
and effortless success. But behind the scenes of every post and caption, lies a story far more complex than
meets the eye.
Take Sarah, for example, a popular social media personality with thousands of followers. Her life appears
picture-perfect in the eyes of her fans, filled with exotic travels, luxurious designer outfits and an adoring
fan base questioning her veiled secrets. But what’s underneath Sarah’s iceberg? Well behind the screen,
she struggles with a profound sense of emptiness and disconnection from her true self.
Sarah’s story is not unique. In this technological era, many of us are trapped in a cycle of projecting
idealized versions of ourselves and neglecting our authentic identities. This begs the question: Are we
losing touch with who we truly are?
This struggle lies in the heart of existentialism, a philosophy that grapples with individual existence,
freedom, and relentless search for purpose. Existentialists challenge us to confront the often-unsettling
truths about our condition. Yet, they don’t offer despair but rather a call to ownership and authenticity. My
deep dive into existentialism began with personal struggles and the burning curiosity of my place in this
world.

In today’s digital world, technology and social media magnify the pressure of conform and present
idealized versions of ourselves. According to existentialist thinkers like jean-paul Sartre and simone de
Beauvoir, this pressure stems from disconnecting from our true selves and seeking validation from
external sources rather than finding fulfilment within. Sartre’s notion of “bad faith” emphasizes on how
people deceive themselves to fit in societal norms and abandoning their true identity. Similarly,
Beauvoir’s exploration in “Ethics of ambiguity” emphasizes on the conflict between societal expectations
and personal freedom, urging individuals to embrace their own essence and existential freedom.
Embracing authenticity comes along significant benefits beyond surface-level. Research conducted by
psychologist Brene Brown, suggests that authenticity fosters deeper connections by allowing relationships
based on honesty and vulnerabilities. Additionally, embracing one’s authenticity correlates with higher
self-esteem, creativity, and resilience as they are liberated from the shackles of societal expectations.
Martin Heidegger’s concept of “authenticity” emphasizes making meaningful decisions based on personal
values, while friedrich nietzsche’s idea of “become who you are” highlights the transformative power of
self-discovery and self-overcoming.
Returning to Sarah's example, we see how embracing authenticity transformed her life. By courageously
sharing her vulnerabilities and insecurities with her audience, Sarah developed deeper connections and
discovered a newfound sense of purpose.
Sarah's story shows us that being true to who we are is not just liberating, but it can also change our lives.
By being herself, she escaped the superficial world of social media and built deeper connections with
others. In a world that pushes us to conform, being authentic is like starting a revolution—it's a way of
asserting our uniqueness and defying societal pressures. Let's listen to this call for authenticity as we
navigate the complexities of modern life. Let's embrace our imperfections, acknowledge our strengths and
weaknesses, and live lives that truly reflect who we are. Because it's when we're true to ourselves that we
find real fulfillment and purpose.