Persona – the mask or façade presented to satisfy the demands of the situation or the environment and not representing the inner personality of the individual;

I am concerned about a trend I’m seeing on facebook, twitter and blogs: people are creating a persona instead of just being themselves.  People are actually using these tools to market themselves but the problem is, they’re not a product…they’re people.

When I said “I’m concerned”, I really mean concerned.  I’m not writing this as a way to bash people or do some passive aggressive dig.  I’m worried this trend is damaging the hearts and self esteem of people.

Recently there were two athletes inducted into their sport’s hall of fames: Deion Sanders in football and Dennis Rodman in basketball.  Both of these men either described themselves as having a persona or were described that way by friends who knew them.  Both of them were/are very flamboyant in their lifestyles and the act they put on for the cameras.  Though I still think it’s unhealthy, I can see why they do it, because for them, they are making money off of the brand of their persona.

My big problem is I’m seeing that behavior with average people that don’t have a brand to sell…though I think that’s exactly what they are trying to do…sell themselves so people will like them more.

Here are some examples of things I’ve seen:

• Writing in a way they don’t talk in real life.  This would include being more aggressive than normal, using slang, creating pretend drama, and even being more funny than they really are (I know that sounds weird).
• Posting a ton of self-portraits (usually done in a mirror with the camera/phone fully exposed) with them looking ways they don’t normally look.  There are also pictures of inappropriate situations so they can look “cool”.  I’ve even seen girls wearing inappropriate clothing to try and be sexy.
• Pictures edited to make people look different.  I’m not talking about the cool features of apps like Instagram…I’m talking about changing the pictures to make them look thinner, taller, etc.
• Using language that is either a lie or misleads people.  (I’m seeing this a lot with organizations/businesses people are starting)
• Giving yourself a nickname and posting it as your name.

Here are the main reasons I’m concerned:

1. It’s a lie.  I know that sounds harsh, but it’s true.  Misleading people is the same as lying.  I think we all agree lying is bad.
2. Liking your persona is not the same as people liking you.  They will eventually meet the real you.  Creating a persona that people begin to like will put incredible pressure on you when you try to become that persona in real life.  It is exhausting to be fake in real life.  Being clever or cool is so much easier online because you can take all the time you need.  You can even research it by examining what others are doing however, when you have to be spontaneously someone/something else, it’s incredibly difficult.
3. People that feel the need to create a persona are not comfortable with the PERSON God created.  That can sound so cliché but the truth is much deeper.  God created the real you specifically for a purpose.  The real you will also be placed by God into specific situations.  God knows your personality can be used to touch specific people in specific situations.  God didn’t create your persona and neither is it a part of His plan for you or others.
4. Personas are masks we use (refer back to the definition)  Mask cover up things we don’t want exposed.  Personas are our attempt to cover up insecurities, hurts, and lies we have bought into.  God wants to uncover the hurts so He can heal them.  The only way that happens is to take off the mask before Him by taking it off before others.

Lastly, I am not saying posting pictures or being funny is wrong to do on social media…that’s one of the main reasons we like it so much.  I would encourage you to examine your motives though.  Are you doing things to create a persona?  Remember, this is not me complaining about my pet peeves…this is me saying I’m worried for my friends.  I want to know the real you and I’m sure others do to.

God could have made you any way, but He chose you exactly how you are.  There’s a reason.  You’re perfect for His plan.  You will be happier living the way you were designed.  Trust God.

Read Psalm 139