At SmartBrief on Social Media, we’ve featured many articles about the importance of authenticity on social networks — and a lot of them make it sound like it’s a daunting task, as if we needed to work really hard to truly be ourselves online. But new research suggests that authenticity is something people achieve naturally. In other words, you actually have to try not to be authentic.
Does that mean you can just show up in a social space and post the first thing that comes to mind? Not exactly. Try thinking of your social presence as a job interview that never ends. You’re never going to get ahead by trying to be something you’re not — your mother was right about that. But you do get to decide which parts of yourself you’ll emphasize. Pick something that’s undeniably awesome about yourself (or your brand) and make that your cornerstone. Craft a social presence that’s all about the real you in the best possible light.
What are you emphasizing about yourself on social media?
Image credit, palto via iStock
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[...] SmartBlog On Social Media » When authenticity isn’t a choice smartblogs.com/socialmedia/2009/12/04/when-authenticity-isnt-a-choice – view page – cached At SmartBrief on Social Media, we’ve featured many articles about the importance of authenticity on social networks — and a lot of them make it sound like it’s a daunting task, as if we needed… Read moreAt SmartBrief on Social Media, we’ve featured many articles about the importance of authenticity on social networks — and a lot of them make it sound like it’s a daunting task, as if we needed to work really hard to truly be ourselves online. But new research suggests that authenticity is something people achieve naturally. In other words, you actually have to try not to be authentic. View page [...]
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by sbosm: What do your social profiles say about you? http://bit.ly/8aJdaz...
I see a divide between work and play profiles …but both are authentically me. Ultimately, there are people that effectively blend the two– but the personal brand is ofter reserved by those looking to profit off of their name. For instance, I see my Facebook profile as my “after work” account. I would probably never share the great article from HBR on Facebook– because it wouldn’t be appropriate to that network. They’d rather hear about how frustrated I am to be a Redskins fan or what band I plan on seeing next week. Conversely, I wouldn’t share wedding planning updates on LinkedIn or via @sbosm for the very same reasons. Both are me, and make up the whole…but they reflect different relationships within the network.
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[...] When authenticity isn’t a choice (smartblogs.com) Tags: cognitive dissonance , connecting through ideas , connecting through thoughts , social information processing , social media interaction , Social Networks [...]