Despite its supposed aim at transparency and honesty, social media has become a space where people tend to curate their lives to fit an idealized version of themselves. From Instagram filters that enhance and alter images to carefully selected captions that narrate one's life story, individuals go to great lengths to present an image that does not necessarily reflect reality. This need for perfection can be seen in how individuals choose to express their identity through social media; from hashtags to profile pictures, users often present an airbrushed version of themselves. This fetishization of authenticity online is indicative of deeper desires for validation and acceptance from others, which are driven by unconscious motivations such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and insecurity.
One way this manifests itself is through the pursuit of "authentic" experiences. Social media posts that feature picturesque moments of leisure, travel, and luxury are commonplace and highly sought after. For many, these types of experiences provide a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment that is lacking in everyday life, leading them to seek out similar opportunities.
They may also lead to feelings of envy and frustration when compared to other seemingly more successful or exciting lifestyles depicted online. This desire for authenticity is thus linked to an underlying fear of missing out (FOMO) and a search for meaning beyond material possessions.
The fetishization of authenticity is also evident in the rise of influencer culture, where social media personalities with large followings create content that purports to showcase their true selves. Many influencers have been criticized for being disingenuous and manufactured, but their popularity suggests that people crave genuine connections with those who share their interests and perspectives. The quest for authenticity becomes a means of self-discovery and self-actualization, but it can also be a performance that masks insecurities about one's own identity.
The fetishization of authenticity on social media reveals our collective need for connection and community. We long for relationships that are based on mutual understanding and appreciation rather than superficial appearances, and we seek validation from others in order to feel accepted and valued. In this way, social media serves as a mirror reflecting back to us what we want to see - whether it is an idealized version of ourselves or something closer to reality.
What unconscious desires are revealed in the fetishization of authenticity online?
In contemporary culture, there is an increasing emphasis on authenticity as a value that individuals strive for in their lives. This desire can manifest itself in various ways, including through the fetishization of authenticity in digital spaces such as social media platforms. The drive towards authenticity can be understood as a way for people to assert control over their identities and experiences in a world where the boundaries between private and public life have become blurred.