Lately, I’ve been reading more and more about how people are searching high and low to find authenticity on the internet; to find a corner in the digital space where the non-Instagram worthy moments are captured and preserved. Readers flock to the blog posts and Instagram photos that are real and raw and full of true emotion because that’s what humanizes a static image or affiliate link-filled post. Influencers now share deep hurts and real emotions with their thousands of followers to try to connect, to relate. And I think that is a wonderful habit – in moderation.
Let’s face it, we all want to know that the person behind (or in front of) the breathtaking beauty shots struggles with the same things we do. But why do we want to know that? Why do we care? Is it because we don’t believe anyone can be that perfect? Is it because we want to make ourselves feel better? Do we crave authenticity because we’re fed up with the perfect and want a little more of the messy to make ourselves feel better?
The more I thought about it the more I realized that for me – as a voracious consumer of blog and Instagram content – I do want a little of the truth, but the reality is I don’t want reality all the time.
I wandered across the world of fashion and lifestyle blogs in the early stages of their development. I was working in a place that frankly made me a little depressed. I craved pretty things and beauty reviews and fashion inspiration, really without knowing that’s the type of content I was drawn to. The first blog I ever read was This Is Glamorous. I remember Googling “some pretty things” (hence the inspiration behind the name of my blog) and Roseline’s blog came up. From then on, I was enamored. For brief moments of my day, I could be transported to a beautiful place where the ceilings were gilded, the fashion breathtaking, and the florals in full bloom.
And that’s what drew me into blogging. I realized that the creativity behind the posts, the shots, the outfits, are more for entertainment sake than information. Entertainment draws you into the world created, information simply feeds you what you want to know. Even to this day, whenever I take a few moments to step into the world of some of my favorite bloggers I’m transported. I’m traveling with Jenny on her recent trip to Havana, I’m sitting in the closet with Stephanie as she tries on outfits, I’m exploring the world of Charleston in a white linen dress with Julia – and I love every minute of it.
Do we actually enjoy blogs and beautiful content because it takes us out of the reality around us for just a moment and fills us with thoughts of travel and beauty and fashion and sparkle? For me, that’s the case. And now that I’m blogging I have the opportunity to share a beautiful version of the world – my world – with you! But in that beautiful world, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for truth and authentic connections and real conversations and genuine encouragement. It actually opens up a whole new window of possibilities and chances to change lives!
So, before you get down on influencers for only posting the ‘pretty pictures’ of their travels and outfits and good skin days, maybe think about your purpose for getting on the app or reading the blog to begin with. And while I think the search for authenticity in content isn’t far fetched or unprecedented, sometimes it just takes understanding why your favorite blogger strives to create the perfect post to begin with.
But that’s just my two cents. I’d love to hear from you about what you’re looking for in blog content. I truly do think it’s a conversation worth having!
~ Emily ~