by Jon Ronson. I highly recommend this book and all of his others. He is one of my favorite authors of all time, and while his books can range from dark to depressing, his insights on culture and social influence are well thought-out, beautifully written, and multi-faceted.
Towards the end of this book, Ronson discusses observing a business that made its mission to rebrand and reshape individuals and companies who had poor media reputation. Similar to a PR firm, but specifically through google search results.
Now, it's common knowledge employers probably google your name before hiring or interviews. Online dating, which has been emerging as less taboo and more widespread, utilizes good and extensive google searches before any relationships begin. Not only that, friends and new acquaintances usually get at least a bit of "Facebook stalking" to better understand who this person is and how they present themselves to the world.
My online presence may seem uplifting, inspiring, and nonchalant, but the reality is that my online persona differs from my typical, everyday self (as is the case with most people), and is curated to be an image I want to maintain.
A few things to unpack here, and yes, I'm sure you have questions. Hopefully I can answer them here.
Why the heck are you doing this? Why are you putting effort into your online persona?
, I discovered the power of visualization. What started out as a few Pinterest boards with inspirational images turned into a tumblr blog of study tips and an instagram of pretty desk photos. If I couldn't be that perfect person in real life, at least I could visualize myself as my ideal self on the web, and hopefully build myself toward that goal by constantly visualizing and thinking about the person I want to be. And, through the reach of the Internet, hopefully I can inspire others and promote a positive life, despite real life hardships and tough days.But Rivi, you talk about your struggles so openly! You are vulnerable online.
Yes, that's very true. And that is something I do with intentionality. I write my truths and my struggles in a way that resonates with the woman I want to be and how I choose to present myself to the world. I don't post cries for help ("I am so tired of this constant studying") or comment bait ("I just had the worst day.") The key here is my intention when I write my posts, which goes back to my core values and the person I want to be/represent.
Do you have something to hide? Is that why you're doing all this?
The short answer is no, I don't have anything big to hide. I didn't go trophy hunting in middle school or post a racist tweet that backfired. The longer answer is yeah, but I hide a lot of myself. I hide that I lay in bed for hours on end pitying myself because it's easier than facing the fact that I haven't touched my novel in six months. I display a pretty picture of a desk and an inspirational study quote because that's what I wish I was, and maybe tomorrow I can strive towards that. I hide that I rip out half of my knitting projects because they are complete failures. I display the completed projects that look great, because I'm proud of that. I hide the hours I spend scolding myself and trying to get motivated. I display the computer screen and the pretty notes I finally got around to copying over. In short, I hide the journey and display the destination.
Your social media isn't even that social! Your photos on Instagram and Facebook are mostly of your knitting, your creative projects, or selfies. I don't see a single sorority squat!
The image I am trying to curate is not a perfect world where I'm always smiling and hanging with my ethnically diverse friends. Because that's not my ideal self. I prefer quality over quantity, and I would rather be complimented on my handknit sweater than on how sexy my dress looks. Don't get me wrong-- there is nothing wrong with posting group photos, having fun and enjoying life. But for me, when I think about the woman I want to be on your average Saturday, I'd rather be represented by a coloring book page on a clutter free desk with a lit candle and a cup of hot cocoa than a glittery dress in a dark club laughing with a huge group of friends. That's just who I am.
I need help with my image! Can you help me curate my persona?
Yes! I am working on combining my creative skills with my social media know how to produce a marketable skill as an online reputation manager and a content creator/collector. It's a 3 tier system at this point.
(Price goes lowest to highest)
1. Content collector: Are you making a slideshow of Renaissance artists from Northern Italy and need digital images? Are you looking for a free printable planner that works specifically for anxiety, and would love an additional declutter checklist? Give me a guideline and I'll find what you need ($20/hr)
2. Content creator: Do you want a printable made in cursive lavender font that reads "Nevertheless, She Persisted" in a circular design? Do you want a coloring page with that quote in a rose garden but the roses have to be at least 5 inches large because you're terrible at coloring in the lines? Hit me up ($30/hour)
3. Online rebanding: Have you been publicly shamed? Are you afraid of what will happen if you google your name? Are you looking for a way to display yourself to the world? Do you want to curate an image that employers and aquaintances will not ask intrusive questions about? I'm here for you. I can design an online persona reflective of your values, who you truly are, and who you want to be. Internet shaming is like quicksand-- the harder you fight it, the more it sucks you in. I'll work with you to create an online persona as unique and wonderful as you are. ($40/hour)
From strength to strength, Rivi
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