Sometimes a mask is obvious.

“Scumbag322” making a typically racist comment after a blog post looking at mixed race relationships feels like an easy one to see.

When a troll can use an alias in a space with no  connection to their real name or photograph, it can turn nasty quite quickly.

But sometimes it can be even more surprising and devastating when it comes from someone you do know, and the comment or attitude is a lot more subtle, yet still divisive.

We tend to say things on social media that we would never ever say to someone else face to face.

BRAVERY OR ANONYMITY?

What is it about social media that gives many people a voice that doesn’t sound like their own? Is it possibly that the disconnect of there not being a real live person facing me, makes me feel like I can say what I’m really thinking? And if so, is the problem in how much I say online or that I don’t speak it out when I’m face to face?

When it comes to people who are trolling a post, then anonymity definitely seems to be the answer. If you’ve ever found yourself in a News24 comments section (before they cancelled them for this very reason) or in the comment sections on most posts relating to religion/sexuality/gender or politics you will read comments where you can’t even begin to imagine how someone had sat and typed the actual words you are reading.

But what about me? This is probably a question that will be answered differently by each one of us. The idea of being consistent in character and integrity both online and off.

BE WHO YOU ARE

Jesus was an excellent example of someone who was consistent in who He was. He never changed who He appeared to be to impress anyone, whether He was speaking to a Roman leader or a Samaritan woman at a well.

He definitely adjusted His voice and words depending on whether He was in the synagogue, or alone with His disciples, or preaching to the crowds. He understood His context really well and spoke accordingly in ways that would connect well and get the message through. But who He was didn’t change. Ever. Can you say that about yourself?

If you are someone who uses social media to try and be someone you’re not – whether through the words you use or the pictures you post – let me encourage you away from that. If people are attracted to a fake version of you, then you will have to keep that up to keep them interested.

Drop the mask. Be who you are. The people who you genuinely want to be your friends will appreciate that and will accept and love you for who you are.