About this episode

This episode explores the divide between our digital selves and authentic selves, focusing on the impact of social media on identity formation.

In a world of filters and carefully crafted captions, who are you really? Welcome to "The Profile and The Person," an episode that dives deep into the growing divide between our digital selves and our authentic selves. Join co-hosts Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), and Shea Phinney MFT, a child development and psychology expert, as they explore the pressures of maintaining a perfect online image. They discuss the psychological strain this creates, especially for teenagers navigating identity formation in the age of social media. This episode unpacks the importance of understanding your personal value system—your internal GPS—and how it can guide you toward genuine self-expression. Merryl and Shea share personal stories and offer practical advice on how to shift your focus from chasing likes to building authentic connections. Learn how to embrace your true self, imperfections and all, and use social media as a tool for creativity and connection rather than comparison. If you've ever questioned the reality behind the screen, this conversation is for you. Don't miss out on future discussions. Subscribe and follow "Breaking Formation" for more insights on navigating our…

People in this episode

Host: Merryl Tengesdal

Guest: Shea Phinney

Topics covered

• digital identity
• social media
• authentic self
• teenagers
• psychology
• self-expression

Keywords

• digital self
• social media
• identity formation
• psychological strain
• authentic connections

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Breaking Formation, USAF

More episodes of Breaking Formation

• Topic 9: The Friendship Drift Why We Lose Friends & How to Cope · May 8, 2026 · 30 min
• Topic 7: Classroom Under Pressure · March 25, 2026 · 36 min
• Topic 6: Brain Spotting · February 20, 2026 · 37 min
• Topic 5: The Reality Bubble...Who is Controlling Your Feed? · February 6, 2026 · 35 min
• Topic 4: The Fear of Being Canceled · January 23, 2026 · 30 min
• Topic 3: My Life as A Hashtag · January 9, 2026 · 26 min

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