To Live Is To Perform

“To live is to perform;” an infamous quote with no single, widely recognized source. Yet it is so applicable to today’s modern world and a sentiment that simply encapsulates our current version of humanity. Its origins can be traced back to Shakespeare’s “life is a stage” metaphor, which suggests we are all actors playing various roles throughout our lives. Another possible influence is Erving Goffman’s sociological theory of dramaturgy, which views social interaction as a theatrical performance wherein individuals are actors on a stage. This theory states that people are constantly “performing,” taking on roles to manage perceptions and influence how we are viewed by others. Goffman goes on to separate our performances between a “front stage,” where public presentation is the main goal, and the “back stage,” where behaviour is allowed to be private and genuine.

Fast forward to a technologically-driven society primed for mass consumption and this poses an extreme issue. While the desire for belonging and social acceptance is a natural one, the means and lengths through which we are seeking to achieve these outcomes has become nothing short of dystopian. In an increasingly virtual world, it seems more and more of our actual living is done online— and is becoming seemingly less about actually living. Every post, like, tweet, comment, and playlist is meticulously curated, neatly packaged into little boxes to be ravaged by the masses. Our audience does not consist solely of peers, family, and friends anymore, but includes total strangers that, if they wish, have the ability to sport armour that renders them completely anonymous. This has led to a completely desensitized and “unserious” generation that strives to impress at all times— everyone but themselves, that is. 

Dangerous actions, relationship-ending pranks, staged skits advertised as real occurrences, all for the views and the hype of it all. We are no longer taking ourselves or others seriously, in a way that is more reminiscent of dehumanization than a healthy, stoic “detachment.” Influencers have resorted to manipulation tactics, posting deliberately provocative and emotionally-damaging content to provoke anger and outrage to increase engagement and revenue. That is precisely what ragebaiting is; yet it has become so normalized that it is commonplace in our vernacular. We will scroll past a an informational video about a real, current genocide in lieu of a “get ready with me” of someone you’ve never met a day in your life.

The scope of this affliction goes far beyond those who have been appointed influencers and content-creators, who hopefully had an idea of what they signed up for: It has become the new norm for every person with a cell phone. “Do it for the vine” has turned into “post it or it didn’t happen at all.” When we know everything we do will be posted online, whether by us or not, there comes a point where we begin to question who we are really doing anything for; it certainly can’t just be for us. When the reward for putting ourselves on perpetual display is societal praise, physical and emotional validation, and sometimes even monetary benefits, who wouldn’t do it?

This way of living is unsustainable, and it is simply not living. This type of life demands constant effort, and unforgivingly shuns any form of error, self-expression, or real type of growth. Our goals shift from prioritizing our personal values and inner peace to entertaining, engaging, and enchanting, even if the means through which these are achieved are not based in reality. Authenticity is sacrificed, paying the price for successful conformity. And when everybody is watching, a small slip-up becomes utterly unbearable, leaving no room for the lessons life can only offer us when mistakes are made.

Though we are all undeniably complicit in some way or another, the choice to step off of the stage is yours. You do not have to live a life chopped and diced for public consumption, ensuring that every decision and behaviour is palatable to others. This goes for all societal expectations, whether they be relational, financial, physical, familial, and anything else regarding the way you choose to live your life. Whether you will continue to perform or live authentically is a unique deliberation, and one we must all ponder as individuals. Performative existence may come with its perks, but it comes with an even higher price— a rewarding, meaningful life. Living authentically may require courage, but it can undoubtedly be done. We must all unplug and wake up from the horrifying reality we’ve created.

Written by: Victoria De Notaris

Uploaded/Edited by: Victoria De Notaris