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Rick Lewis's avatar

It seems to me that the core issue here really isn't about the internet. It's about the courage to be authentically expressed in our lives. If you hold back on the internet, you probably hold back in life. If you show up in life, you'll probably show up online. The good news is that practicing self-expression and intelligent communication online will translate into face to face experiences. At least that's been my experience with it. "You want to consume very little social media and post often, not consume lots of social media and never post. The former maximizes opportunities and minimizes anxiety, while the latter maximizes anxiety and minimizes opportunities." This to me sums up the necessary context very well.

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Ned's avatar

You must know about this curious cultural idiosyncrasie we have here in Australia - the tall poppy syndrome. We got it from the UK, of course.

In its most sympathetic appraisal, it centre's around shooting down those people who show off and flaunt too much.

Yet it most often materialises as a far more jealous and pathetic beast.

Even minute expression is warrant for "taking the piss out of your mate." Whether it's listening to some more explorative music (I've had people mock me because I tell them I love classical - classical!) or even going to libraries to read.

Its a shocker mate, and I've thought recently to myself, why don't I know a single person who has an online brand in the way of blog, podcast or youtube?

I truly believe there's whole swathes of busting-to-show-the-world-how-cool-they-are Australians that don't want to "stand up from the crowd."

You Americans are the opposite, which is one of the main cultural differences between us. We think you guys are so loud and show off too much.

Power to you. Go Americans.

Great article once again Jeff. I'm always here for the next one.

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