Is our world getting more sincere or self-indulgent? Aye, there’s the rub. In conversation, there are cues that tell you if an individual is comfortable in his/her own skin; the language is more universal and less pedantic. In an article or a novel, the language can expand with artistic license; but, some are elitist using language and thought construction that is so esoteric that it never enters the mainstream. In visual language, the subtleties determine authenticity. Corporations that use the globe as a constant reminder of their largesse is inauthentic–like-minded, the frog swells up to deter its predators. In body language (also visual), genuine smiling is accompanied with creases at the corner of the eyes rather than the conscious raising of the corners of the mouth. Authenticity, tends to be doled out superficially. In a retail experience, posters that say “we care about you” are inauthentic when a camera is poised on your every move. The word “authentic” is rampant in the marketing dialogue; but, I gage this as an unmet goal. How can you be authentic to customers if you have not explored their inner most thoughts? On the authenticity scale with superficiality exerting a magnetic pull, the needle has barely wiggled. Marketers must stop being superficial about their authenticity. Fear monging, cheesiness, slice-of-life stories that are truly sacharrine are not authentic. My gosh humans are so complex and in that complexity is true beauty and wonder. We have not even scratched the surface. Please! please! examine what is truly authentic. That brings me to the internet which lays claim to all-out authenticity.
Social media has empowered the common man and micro businesses. The discourse however is invariably stealth and replete with hate. Authenticity is truly lacking on the internet. Tim O’Reilly, a recognized leader in silicon valley had instituted a Code of Conduct, received with equal vitriol; I have interrupted the comment string for a moment on his blog by applauding him and encouraging him. Authenticity is not about letting your inner demons loose on the world–that is hate, envy and often, revenge equal to road rage. Authenticity on the web can be a deep expression of one’s feelings, a dislike of a product, whistle blowing on something gone awry–but not opinions run amuck, expletives, debauchery and more. Some expressions should always remain in the closet lest we descend into Gomorrah once again. I hope the internet will not usher in a new age where we indulge our id, our primordial, reptilian selves. Or is it too late? Perhaps someone will launch another web where a stable, “honest to goodness”, freedom of expression is welcome and those who until today fear to tread will now explore.
I love the internet. It is a virtual, thriving society–not programming and computers. It is a rare event in the physical world when a stranger will acost you in the grocery store or in your own garden. So too, should be the internet. The internet is dubbed social media not sociopathic media.
I’m just sayin’.
