Aesthetics over Authenticity

Social media is plunged into negative connotations, followed by a wave of counterarguments to prove its significance in the evolution of human connections, diplomacy, and convenience. Enmeshed in human life, the world revolves around this technology, fuelling the plague-and-boon debates on the ethics of social media. We fall into the midst of this wave, translating loud opinions into the activities of us users—the poster, the writer, the spectator, the creator, the commenter, the liker—one might underscore the layer of hypocrisy in this controversial argument. Amidst the noise of opinions, we have undoubtedly engaged in a new form of self-presentation. 

This alludes to a broad cultural trend of people curating and performing for a social media audience. The obsession to associate everything with a certain “core” or “aesthetic” has become the lingo of modern content creation. While humans continue to develop in the 21st century, consuming media that prides itself on “authenticity in documenting life through one’s eyes” has infiltrated the network of our subconsciousness. In the same vein, TikTok markets itself on its relatability and authenticity. However, the unspoken obligation to conform to trends makes the nature of authenticity itself paradoxical, therefore creating performative authenticity. This term that seems contradictory captures the essence of this trend—a culture where what we share is less about who we are and more about who we think others want us to be.      

The awareness of posting personal content to appeal to a large audience has a performative undercurrent, blurring the lines between originality and conformity to societal media norms. Documenting experiences on this platform has automatically wired us to make decisions based on a virtual audience in mind rather than solely living in the moment. The marketing goal has managed to succeed, albeit in a way that commodifies personal experience. For instance, taking pictures for ourselves is no longer within our control. We take pictures and post them on any platforms, and once posted, that leaves a digital footprint. That picture opens the doors for it to be shared and spread without our knowledge. That picture is now a reference to dissect our lives—we were at that certain location, we went there at this specific time with certain people, we posed in such a way—all of these points of data are what we are boiled down to.         

Gen Z and Alpha seem more concerned with the appearance of being aspirational than actually embodying those qualities. Living in a visual culture has led to an overt rise of the “cores” and aesthetic trends on TikTok that bleed into everyday speech. The death of authenticity in the pursuit of fitting into these narrow facades is a reflection of the increasing pressure to conform to superficial trends. As a result, one’s identity is diluted by the mixture of narrow, popularised facades that exchange individuality with social favour.     

“We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion… Poetry, beauty, romance, love—these are what we stay alive for,” by John Keating, Dead Poets Society.  

This quote weighs the true beauty of human freedom in creativity, yet unfortunately, in this digital age, the commercialisation of every expression prioritises virality over personal experiences. The pursuit of fitting in established communities has turned poetry, beauty, and love into trends that are curated for likes rather than for introspection or genuine emotional engagement. It’s no longer about genuine self-expression but about creating a facade that will be accepted and celebrated by the masses, defeating the whole purpose of the splendour of living to begin with.     

Our brains are corrupted with the primal instinct to monetise something enjoyable, defeating the true human nature of innocent enjoyment. When was the last time we indulged in something just for mere enjoyment, free from the need to appeal to an online audience? The evolution of human nature has come this far to be reduced to fleeting, superficial acts rather than the profound experiences in the celebration of uniqueness. 

 

Words to Learn:

Diplomacy – the art of managing relationships and negotiations between nations, groups, or individuals in a tactful and effective manner

Enmeshed – deeply involved or entangled in a complicated situation or relationship, often in a way that is difficult to escape

Plague – a widespread and persistent problem or affliction, often causing significant harm or difficulty; historically, it refers to a severe infectious disease

Boon – a benefit, blessing, or advantage that is helpful or improves a situation

Hypocrisy –  the act of pretending to have beliefs, standards, or qualities that one does not actually possess, especially when one’s actions contradict these stated values

Authenticity – the quality of being genuine, real, or true, as opposed to being fake or imitative

Paradoxical – seemingly contradictory or inconsistent, yet possibly true or logical upon closer examination

Conform – to comply with rules, standards, or societal expectations, often by adapting one’s behaviour or appearance to fit in

Undercurrent – an underlying or hidden feeling, influence, or force that runs beneath the surface and often affects events or situations subtly

Albeit – although or even though; used to introduce a concession or contrast

Commodifies – to turn something into a commodity, treating it as an object of trade or profit, often reducing its intrinsic or emotional value

Overt – open, obvious, or clearly visible; not hidden or secret

Introspection – the act of examining one’s own thoughts, feelings, and motivations to gain self-awareness or understanding

At ILTI, we encourage our learners to polish their language skills via real-life situations. We do not practise the chalk and talk approach – we learn and have fun at the same time. Join us today by calling / WhatsApp 010-395 3067 or email: info@ilti.edu.my.