Let’s be honest: privacy isn’t what it used to be. In today’s always-on, always-connected world, the idea that our personal lives are truly personal? Yeah, that’s pretty much a fantasy. From data breaches to social media oversharing, it feels like every part of our lives is out there for anyone to see. But instead of fighting it, what if we leaned in? What if we saw this loss of privacy as an opportunity to show up as our real selves?
As a Master Certified Coach and creator of the Authentic Intelligence™ framework, I find this myth of privacy offers us a unique opportunity to reframe how we approach vulnerability, authenticity, and even the taboo.
Is Privacy Even a Thing Anymore?
Let’s talk about how fragile privacy really is these days. Just look at some of the big stories from this year:
- Meta Platforms got called out (again) when a whistleblower exposed how user data was being used to spread misinformation and turn a profit.
- Tesla had a rough moment when private dashcam footage somehow ended up in the hands of employees.
- Threads, Meta’s latest app, raised eyebrows for sneaky data harvesting at a scale we’ve never seen before.
The truth is, no matter how many passwords you set or apps you delete, there’s no way to completely protect your information. Governments and tech companies are scrambling to fix this, but let’s face it: the genie is out of the bottle.
When Public Becomes Too Public
It’s not just us regular folks dealing with this. Celebrities and public figures are feeling the heat, too. Think about:
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who have faced relentless media scrutiny, with private details of their lives often leaked and sensationalized.
- Elon Musk’s text messages, which got dragged into court and shared publicly.
- Taylor Swift, whose personal relationships and business decisions are constantly analyzed and criticized by both fans and the media.
Even politicians aren’t safe. Leaders around the world are watching their private emails and texts go public, changing the way we see them overnight.
Why Fighting This Might Be the Wrong Move
So, what do we do when our privacy is gone? Most of us want to lock down and hide. But here’s the thing: what if we did the opposite? What if we let go of the facade and embraced our vulnerability instead?
As someone who’s spent years coaching leaders through my Authentic Intelligence framework, I’ve seen how powerful it can be to show up as your real self. When we stop trying to protect a polished image and just let people see us—flaws and all—amazing things can happen.
Why Vulnerability is Your Superpower
Losing privacy isn’t fun, but it does level the playing field. When everything is out in the open, there’s no room for pretending. That’s when vulnerability becomes your secret weapon. By being real and even owning the parts of ourselves we’re scared to share, we can connect with others on a deeper level.
How to Make Peace With the Privacy Myth
Here are a few ways to flip the script on privacy:
- Own Your Story: If someone’s going to talk about you, why not beat them to it? Tell your story on your terms.
- Set Real Boundaries: Vulnerability doesn’t mean oversharing. It’s about deciding what feels right for you.
- Talk About the Hard Stuff: Whether it’s mental health, mistakes, or big life decisions, being open can be incredibly freeing.
- Ask Yourself the Big Questions: Are you holding back because of fear, or because you really value your privacy?
TikTok vs. Instagram and Facebook: Why Being Real Wins
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok, you know it’s a totally different vibe compared to Instagram or Facebook. On TikTok, people let their guard down. They share unpolished, unfiltered moments—whether it’s someone dancing in their living room, talking about their mental health, or laughing at their own mistakes. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s relatable. Contrast that with Instagram, where even “candid” posts are often meticulously curated, or Facebook, where people tend to stick to safer, more polished updates. TikTok’s culture of authenticity has made it a space where people feel seen and connected in ways that other platforms just can’t replicate. It’s proof that when we drop the facade, we create something much more powerful: real human connection.
What Happens Next?
Let’s face it: privacy is never going back to what it used to be. But instead of seeing that as a loss, let’s see it as an invitation. An invitation to live more authentically, connect more deeply, and be braver than ever before. So, what do you say? Are you ready to embrace the power of being real—even when the world is watching?
About the Author:
Kathleen O’Grady is the CEO of Authentic Leadership Advisors and the creator of the Authentic Intelligence™ Framework. With nearly 20 years of coaching experience, Kathleen specializes in helping executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders make bold impacts. Recognized globally for her transformative coaching methods, Kathleen ranks #1 in USA Today’s Top 10 International Coaches. As a Master Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation, she has guided countless clients through their life-altering breakthroughs.