I have recently come across the concept of the Potemkin village.
It refers to an elaborate facade designed to give an impression of prosperity while concealing the less impressive reality underneath.
The term comes from the 18th century, when Grigory Potemkin, a Russian minister, reportedly built fake villages along the Dnieper River to impress Empress Catherine the Great during her visit to Crimea.
(image credit : Britannica)
These settlements were nothing more than superficial displays to convince the empress of the region’s supposed progress and prosperity.
It made me pause and think about how similar this is to what we do on social media today. I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the carefully curated lives we present online. It’s apparent that we are constantly under the pressure to project a seemingly flawless existence.
The Illusion of Perfection
The historical Potemkin village was a facade—built solely to impress, never meant to last.
Today, our social media profiles have become just that. Those are the places where we present carefully edited highlights of our lives. I, too, find myself questioning how much of what we see online is curated perfection.
Think about it: countless photos are taken just for that one “candid” shot, filters are applied, captions are refined to reflect the right mix of wit and wisdom, and every post is filtered to perfection.
What we often fail to realize is how this illusion impacts those who see it.
These polished snapshots create unrealistic expectations, and it leads others to feel their own lives somehow fall short.
It’s the comparison game that chips away at our self-worth, because we’re constantly comparing our behind-the-scenes reality to someone else’s filtered highlight reel.
And it’s exhausting.
Social Comparison and FOMO
Social comparison theory suggests that individuals determine their own self-worth by comparing themselves to others.
And social media amplifies this tendency by making a curated version of other people’s lives accessible 24/7.
When our feeds are filled with images of vacations, celebrations, or personal milestones, it’s hard not to compare our own lives to these apparent “highlight reels.”
This constant comparison often gives rise to the fear of missing out (FOMO).
Which is a pervasive sense that one is missing out on exciting experiences that others seem to be enjoying.
Seeing friends traveling to new places, attending social gatherings, or achieving significant milestones can make our own lives seem mundane in comparison.
This fear of missing out leads to feelings of loneliness, envy, and anxiety, ultimately increasing dissatisfaction with our own life.
The negative consequences of this social comparison can include chronic stress, a decline in mental health, and even strained relationships.
The desire to compete or keep up with the apparent success and happiness of others traps us in a cycle of comparison, where the focus shifts from internal fulfillment to an externally driven chase for validation.
The Pursuit of Authenticity
Yet, authenticity isn’t always simple.
It means showing up not just when life is good, but also when it’s messy.
And being vulnerable takes courage.
Authenticity doesn’t mean oversharing or letting everyone into your most private moments; But rather, it’s about showing the real, unfiltered sides of us that are often kept hidden.
I think there’s a thin line between presenting yourself in the best light and curating an unrealistic, picture-perfect image.
Between branding and being authentic.
And it requires wisdom to navigate it without falling into the trap of constructing a facade—a modern Potemkin village that impresses but ultimately isolates.
I have found that being authentic is far more rewarding than keeping up appearances.
You see, true growth comes from embracing both the good and the imperfect. By prioritizing authenticity—both in what we share and in how we perceive others—we can foster deeper connections and improve our mental well-being.
Make Real Connection
True connection comes from embracing the parts of us that are less polished, less perfect, but deeply human.
So, let’s remind ourselves: behind each polished picture is an imperfect person, and it’s in that authenticity that real connection lies.
This article is written by Christina Lim, the author of the book Not a Marketing Textbook. This article is written by Christina Lim, the author of the book Not a Marketing Textbook. She is a business advisor and startup mentor, she has led multiple digital transformation initiatives in her career.
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