Is the public version of you the real you?

We all think we’re being real—whether in public or in private—but the deeper challenge is questioning whether we truly know our real selves at all. In any case, even when we know ourselves we might face various pressures that push us to fit in or not cause trouble – so even the most well-intentioned person might struggle to always be 100% real in public. Sometimes the simplest questions are actually the most complex. Thankfully, we have some wonderful members of the community who offered to share their thoughts on this challenging question.

Tian Boothe

Yes, the public version of me is the real me. I believe in honesty and showing up authentically; both in my work and in how I present myself. Being genuine is essential, especially as a filmmaker; it helps build trust and creates deeper connections with audiences and collaborators alike. Read more>>

Annie Zhou

Yes, it is, but it’s not all of me. The public sees the part of me that’s deeply devoted to music, and that’s absolutely real. I work very hard at my craft because I truly believe in what I’m sharing. But outside of music, I also make it a priority to enjoy life and encourage others to do the same. Read more>>

Brockstar

It depends where I am viewed. I believe spending time with me is learning who I truly am, even if that’s on a live stream. I believe in living authentically because it’s the best way to connect with people, sometimes even the messy parts and it’s much easier than keeping up a lie. Read more>>

Nader Bakier

The public version of me is definitely part of the real me — it’s my authentic self expressed through music, visuals, and interaction with fans. But like anyone, I’m more than what people see online or in the studio. There are private moments of doubt, growth, and vulnerability that don’t always make it to social media or press. Read more>>

Virginia Hendry

The public version of me is for sure the real me… plus hair extensions. ha! I think the reason I am out here in the public view in the first place is because I finally accepted who I am and what I look like, and have embraced my true self. Read more>>

Jenny Dame

The public version of myself is absolutely me. I love vintage fashion and I adore having a supportive platform were I can share my admiration for sewing projects, art, and vintage fashion. It can feel a bit isolating dressing differently then modern trends. There is a huge vintage/ sewing community who I found are so lovely and encouraging. Read more>>

Dustin Willis

I try my hardest to make sure it is. My PhD dissertation is actually about the healing power of compassionate connection, and here’s the core finding: we can’t truly connect with another person until we stop performing and start being present. Most of us operate on autopilot—shaped by what we think people want to see, wearing different masks for different situations. Professional mask at work. Read more>>

Elisabeth Lords

Absolutely. I couldn’t do it any other way! That’s a talk I had with my husband right at the beginning. If I was going to do this, it had to be 100% as myself. And let me tell you, that’s not always the most flattering angle! Take my YouTube show, Elisa Marie Bakes. Read more>>

Imran Ahmed

Yes — I am who I am. I’m not a pretentious rockstar or some poser playing a role for the spotlight. What you see is what you get. Every lyric I write, every note I play, comes from a place of truth. I’ve never believed in hiding behind masks just to fit an image or please expectations. Read more>>

Darin Balaban

Perception is tricky isn’t it? I think that I’m mostly just myself, but it’s also hard to judge somebody personality or public personality. Whatever you wanna call it. Part of the reason if you like doing these interviews, I like to speak very candid and hope that people can get tsunami a little bit better Knowing the distance so what’s my answer? I think so. Read more>>

Shae Stein

The public version of me is just me. I wouldn’t even know how to fake being someone else because it takes too much effort to act. I might be an artist and designer when I’m working, but in my free time I’m a dad and a jock. I don’t wear jewelry, I don’t dress loud, and I don’t have tattoos. Read more>>

Jes Sheldon

Absolutely. I don’t find any value in trying to hide any part of who I really am or what I believe in – especially in this digital age. Read more>>

Jeffrey Bernstein

Absolutely! Authenticity is important to me. The public version of me is real, but not the whole story. Privacy is an important commodity, and it’s in vanishingly short supply these days. Privacy is an essential notepad, a white board to work out ideas and feelings. One of the most private areas of my life is my creative process. Read more>>

Kash Young

I would say the version of me that the public gets to see is only a part of who I truly am. I reserve certain parts of my character for the people that are close to me in ‘Real’ Life ie. my family, my partner, and my close friends. Read more>>

Mattilyn Kravitz

I grew up watching my parents live as their whole selves in every room they entered. My father, a pastor who later became a bishop, was the same person in the pulpit that he was at home — funny, honest, and human. My mother, too, was unwaveringly herself. There was never a “holy version” and a “home version.” They were integrated. Read more>>