Hi hazel. Your post made me think “… and the more obsessed we become w controlling our image(s), possibly the unforeseen result is a growing mass inability to find a sense of presence …meaning the type of presence and magic (and growth potential) which comes from recognizing and embracing the lack of control. Putting intention out but also allowing the unforeseeable to respond and impact us.”

It also reminded me of a group u didn’t mention - those people who are being incredibly transparent and sincere online wo intentionally crafting a persona specifically for the online world. But using it to share the persona they project in the “real” world.

Also I’d say there is a realness to online personas, in that for the audience, they can impact us the way literature, a remarkable story or even conversation w someone else can. And in creating them they can impact us the authors the way producing a work of art, reading or writing can…. Allowing us to connect w lost or quieter pieces of ourselves which may never have surfaced ootherwise, to bring them to life within us in ways which do impact our daily “real selves”.

Anyway just a few thoughts that came from your post. Love your writing and your “online identities”. ☺