What is my online identity?

I’ve never really vibed with putting my IRL self online. 

I almost always use fake names or alter egos. And usually those only occur once, before moving onto another identity on another website. 

The desire to be online famous is strange to me. The widespread norm of “putting yourself out there” is also odd. 

I’ve always been like this though. I rarely use profile photos that are ME. 

And I respect people that do the same. I respect ideas and values and communication, over physical appearance or the ability to brand oneself online. 

This is why I like Reddit or Discord or Tumblr. Almost 100% of the time I am interacting with an unknown person.

I don’t know what they look like. I don’t know if I’d ever vibe with them in person. 

Something about sharing ideas freely online can feel really good. The conversation is about what you can thoughtfully contribute. Not what you look like or how you market yourself or the disillusioned status that a high follower count seems to bring. 

Maybe I don’t bring my IRL self online because deep down I am scared or ugly af or otherwise unworthy of being appreciated. 

Sure. I cycle through these beliefs. 

I also I like the freedom that not having an identity brings. I can be anyone. I can express myself in whatever way seems right at that time. I am judged only by what I say and contribute, not by the strange social rules that have been created. 

Best,

Me IRL