Everyone Lives with a "Mask" and a "Shadow"—On How to Engage with Social Media

"Everyone possesses a persona and a shadow."

These are the words of the psychologist Carl Jung.
The persona is the "self within society." It is like a mask used to play a role. For example, the self at work, the self as a parent, or the self as a boss or subordinate.
In other words, it is the self expressed as the "self one wants others to see."

In contrast, the shadow is the "other self" that one suppresses within. Anger, jealousy, desire, shame, weakness—these are emotions that are inconvenient to show to society, yet are truly a part of oneself.
One could also call it the "self that was not allowed to live."

Neither of these is correct or incorrect; both are "you." It is said that successfully integrating both is very important for mental health.

However, in the modern age, I sometimes feel that the convenient yet somewhat troublesome existence of social media makes that integration difficult.

I operate all my social media accounts, including note, under my real name. I also show my face. This is because I want to live without intentionally separating my "real self" from my "virtual self." Of course, there are risks, and I don't recommend this method to everyone. But for me personally, it is easier this way. I feel that if I use different personas, my own core starts to waver.

For example, there is a character named Gotanda who appears in Haruki Murakami's "Dance Dance Dance." He suffers from the gap between his self as an actor and his true self, and eventually loses control of himself. This is a fictional story, but perhaps if the gap between one's "public face" and "private face" becomes too wide, a person might eventually break down.

On social media, we tend to post the "self we want to look good." Sparkling daily life, beautiful scenery, fulfilling work, fun times with friends. Of course, there is nothing wrong with those things. But if it becomes too far removed from the "true self," the heart cannot keep up.

That is why, even when I write articles on note, I try to reveal my weaknesses, worries, and stories of failure as they are. I feel that is more sincere, both for myself and for whoever is reading.

Both the persona and the shadow are you. We should use social media as a tool to handle both of them skillfully.
Since we are human, we inevitably carry not only light but also shadows.
I want to cherish myself as "a human being" in that way.

Thank you for reading until the end.
Shall we connect on note? I would be happy if you followed me!
I will also actively reach out to connect.