Today I share reflections on the struggle to find my internet authenticity.

See, in creative pursuits, finding your voice or style is something that just emerges over time. You discover it by experimenting, exploring, and creating. From my experience, this holds true—you can see it in my paintings, drawings, or hear it in my music. As I’ve been writing these weekly (ish) updates, I’ve been surprised to stumble upon a writing voice, too. By simply doing the work, something honest and authentic shines through.

Yet, as I’ve ventured into the online world as an internet entrepreneur, defining that voice has been more challenging. Perhaps because it's not just about making things—it's about packaging and presenting an authentic whole self in a bizarre space driven by algorithms and trends.

Finding your voice and defining what you do are two different things. Finding requires curiosity and play, while defining requires strategy and intentionality.

The Challenge of Authenticity Online

From my first month online, figuring out how to be authentic in the digital space has raised deep questions of personal psychology and values. Unlike in art or music, where your voice naturally emerges through practice, the internet subtly pressures you to shape yourself in ways that may not feel entirely genuine.

My big realisation as I create online is that many content strategies push us toward inauthenticity—especially in edutainment (educational entertainment). Here’s my somewhat tongue-and-cheek critical take on how to "make it" online:

1. Opinion as Fact – Social media thrives on bite-sized, oversimplified information. There's little room for nuance, so you must present ideas as indisputable facts. Even better, condense life into neat, digestible formulas: "5 Ways to Do X" or "The One Thing You Must Know."
2. Absolute Conviction – How you say something often matters more than what you say. A confident, unwavering delivery can make even the flimsiest ideas seem compelling.
3. Measured Social Proof – Why should people trust you? Because you’re impressive. Metrics matter. Whether it’s millions of dollars earned or millions of followers gained, numbers become credibility (we like millions).
4. Selling Possibility Over Probability – You have authority, conviction and fact, you’re primed to sell a dream. The secret is to frame your success as something anyone can achieve—without emphasising the unique circumstances, skills, or luck that played a role in your journey.

The Responsibility of Content Creation

I highlight these patterns for two reasons:

• As a creator: I feel the pull to present myself as more than I am—a response to insecurity, imposter syndrome, and the natural urge to mimic successful trends.
• As a consumer: The world of online advice often presents an illusion of simplicity, making complex realities seem like failures of effort. If success is as easy as "5 Steps to Freedom," why does real life feel so much messier?

Both leave you with a feeling of inadequacy. A responsibility lies on both sides:

• As creators: Authenticity means presenting a fuller reality. Share your story, be honest about your experiences, and acknowledge both successes and struggles.
• As consumers: Recognise that viral content often simplifies reality. Take advice with a grain of salt, and apply it in ways that make sense for you.

A More Authentic Approach

So how do we create with integrity? Here’s my approach moving forward:

• Opinion as Fact → Lived Experience. Share personal stories—what worked, what didn’t, and why. Frame insights as lessons from your journey rather than universal truths.
• Absolute Conviction → Thoughtful Exploration. Be confident in your path, but open to questioning ideas. Present belief in yourself, not blind faith in rigid methods.
• Measured Social Proof → Narrative Social Proof. Metrics aren’t everything. A well-told story builds trust and credibility, even without impressive numbers.
• Selling Possibility Over Probability → Managing Expectations. Honesty is key. If you’re presenting best-case scenarios, say so. Balance inspiration with realism. Share struggles, not just wins.

That’s my (probably bad) internet advice for today. Good luck navigating authenticity online—and be mindful of what you consume.

Warwick

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PS. I like to share a general update of how becoming an internet entrepreneur is going. A recap, as of 4 weeks ago, I took the plunge and left a consulting career to get closer to the creative sphere, looking at the Business of Creativity.

Updates:

• YouTube: 75 subscribers! + Some encouraging comments. I’ll focus more energy here, following my new approach.
• Instagram: Only four new followers after posting 20 "advice" pieces. Changing strategy—less "tips," more creative stuff from me and personal insights.
• Plan: Still loose, but I’m starting free 1:1 consulting to better understand creative folks’ challenges.
• Revenue: Still at zero. But for now, that's okay.

Onward!