Part 9/12:
Beware the Persona and Reality Disconnect
A recurring theme is the discrepancy between public persona and reality. Content creators often develop a crafted persona to entertain viewers, which can far from reflect their authentic selves. When viewers or fans meet these creators offline, the persona may shift or break down, revealing unsettling truths—such as abusive behaviors or neglect.
This performance culture complicates discerning genuine care from exploitation. As the public consumes curated content, the line blurs, making it harder to spot abuse or neglect until it's too late.