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.

Ana Merlino

The public version of me is real—but it’s only the version I know right now. If you had asked my self from ten years ago whether she was “the real me,” she would have said yes, absolutely. And in that moment, it was true. But today, I see it differently. We are always evolving, and each stage feels complete until the next one comes along. Read more>>

Kevin J DeBruin

I say 100%. I like to live my life by the notion of ‘if everything I did was on the front page of the newspaper, how would I feel about that?’ I guess we may have to change that to ‘trending on X’ nowadays, but the sentiment is the same.Read more>>

Riccardo Gresino

I’m confident in saying yes for this one. I don’t want to spend my time growing another myself only to please the public; I’d rather invest that time in experiencing new things and riding my motorcycle. Feeling good with myself will positively affect others and ultimately give more joy and rewards. Read more>>

Gabriela Ono

That’s an interesting question. I would say yes, the public version of me is the real me. I believe that we all express ourselves differently depending on the environment. For example, I behave differently with my friends compared to how I am with my family. Read more>>

Jei Romanes

Yes, the public version of me is real. I’m usually an open book, and what people see is genuinely who I am. But over time, I’ve also learned the importance of boundaries. Not everyone will be happy for you, and not everyone deserves full access to your life. Read more>>

Ryn Kid

I would like to think so. I try to be as much myself and genuine as I can on social media but ultimately, who am I to say what other people think of me? How one person views me compared 10 others, will be completely different simply based on the fact that they experience me through the lens of their own perception. Read more>>

Lynn Chen

Not entirely. The cute, cheerful illustrations on my Instagram are actually my way of dealing with stress and anxiety. Usually, a sketch starts out a little sad or heavy, but by the time I finish it, I add a positive twist—like a tiny hamster cheering up my corgi. Read more>>

Michael J. Epstein

The public version of me is real, but it is not the whole picture. When you put yourself and your work out into the world, you inevitably curate what people see. In interviews, on stage, or at screenings, I lean into humor, absurdity, and self-deprecation, because those are the parts of me that feel most natural in public. Read more>>

Susana Haro

Yes, there is only one of me. My husband says I’m painfully honest. I could never be someone I’m not. That sounds exhausting. Read more>>

Casey Mensing

There’s a Japanese proverb that I picked up from the director Samuel Fuller. The first face; you show the world. The second face; you show to your close friends and family. The third face; you never show anyone. It is the truest reflection of who you are. Read more>>

Chris Kennedy

I really hope so. I try to be genuine & honest with everyone I meet. I’m really just a goofball that plays guitar and make sure I express gratitude to anyone who listens to Fatalist & comes to shows. Read more>>

Brian Wangenheim

Yeah, for the most part, it is. I have fun working, I genuinely enjoy creating and staying focused. Very rarely will you catch me doing nothing unless I’m spending time with my family. I’m always trying to grow, whether it’s in my creative skills, learning something new, or in my relationship with Jesus. I don’t like wasting time, and I think that comes across. Read more>>

Chayanika Baishya

To a large extent, yes, the public version of me reflects the real me. However, I am also a private person who prefers to be exclusive only around my favorite people in a small circle. Read more>>

Christina Paganelli

Yes — it’s the most authentic version of me. I recently Googled myself and was surprised to see how accurately the public story reflects who I am. Reading through past accomplishments, awards, and accolades was humbling — not because I forgot what I’ve done, but because it reminded me how long I’ve stayed committed to this journey. Read more>>