Blog-tember Challenge prompt: The real you vs. the online you.
Are they the same or different?
That’s a deceptively simple-sounding question. As an INFP, I can be difficult to get to know, but expressing myself through writing is also one of my strongest strengths.
In this blog and my other online presences, if you pay close enough attention and pick up those little cues that INFPs drop around us, you can get to know the real me. In that regards, yes, the real me and online me are the same.
Yet, no. The real me and the online me are different because I’m now more intentional about what I post online. In the blog, for example, I write specifically on faith, ministry, and singleness. I’m still figuring out this little space, but I don’t let my gamer or fangirl sides roam around here. Although you might have seen those sides of me in some Weekend Fun posts, I wouldn’t be writing posts dedicated to Sherlock or Sims.
Also, if we meet in person, I am more reserved. Online, it’s easier to speak up, which is a blessing and a curse. A curse because people cyber-bully and hide behind usernames to spread hate and malice. To that, I remember Jon Acuff‘s* advice to disregard those people because without risk to themselves (we can’t trace their comments to their real identities), whatever they say have ZERO value.
Do you listen to strangers who come up to you in person and tell you how badly you’re doing life? No. Because we see them for what they are. We can see their eyes and know their souls have issues that have nothing to do with us. So why listen to them online?
The flip side is what can be a blessing. We can encourage others online, and when our identities are traceable, it adds value. I don’t feel as alone in the struggle if Jane*, married, mother of two, and living in Montana, tells me she feels the same way. Or if Stacey*, single and living in Australia, finds my words encouraging, that blesses me.
I’ve been able to encourage others online, too. I would have the hardest time doing that in person because I find it hard to approach strangers. It doesn’t make their need to hear encouragement any less, though, which is why I love that we can use the Internet for good, to bless others.
Does anyone else find it interesting that our real selves can be different from our online selves?
Identity can be tricky to figure out. There are people who are constantly asking, “Who am I?” Me, for example.
I found that in a healthy relationship with God, “Who am I?” is a safe question to ask. It helps us look at ourselves, where we are, and where God is taking us so we can become who He created us to be.
Asking “Who am I?” – especially asking God that question – can help us change positively. I used to be a very fearful person. Fear used to grip me so hard, I would be paralyzed in action and decision. I used to think that was who I am. I am an anxious person with many fears to live with or learn to get around.
God knew differently. He did not give me a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Be courageous, He said. Do not be afraid (Joshua 1:9). Let your heart take courage (Psalm 31:24).
I am not a fearful person. I do not live in fear. I have moments of fear, but in those moments, it is now easier to remember God’s Word, His promises and affirmations of who He created me to be.
[bctt tweet=”Ask God who you are and He’ll tell you who He created you to be.”]
*Jane and Stacey (and their specific details) are examples only, but I have met people that have blessed me in different ways. Jon Acuff is a real person (author of Do Over) and I do believe he’s the one who gave that advice. Probably on Periscope.
