In this social media frenzied era that we are living in, it can be hard to understand what is real and what is not. The old saying that you "shouldn't believe everything you read in the news" still rings true, but we can also add the internet and social media to that warning.
Apps such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter have now made it easier than ever for people to create a persona online that doesn't match up with who they actually are. Whether it's posting old holiday photos to make it look like you're constantly jet-setting or downright stealing someone else's identity, there are a host of ways in which people can pretend that they're something they're not.
Take Amalia Ulman, for example. In 2014, Ulman decided to take her followers on a long, personal journey that, in the end, turned out to be a scripted and perfectly-executed piece of performance art. According to Ulman, the point of this piece was to reveal the performative nature of social media and, boy, her story was convincing.
Ulman begins the story with her presenting herself as an optimistic young woman who has moved to Los Angeles in order to pursue her dreams.
At this point, Ulman appears to be doing well, with her having discount codes available at stores and attending photo shoots. However, things quickly go wrong when she apparently breaks up with her boyfriend.
Announcing the break-up on her account, Ulman wrote: "dont be sad because it's over, smile because it happened~ after 3 years it has been time to move on i guess. there were good and bad moments but i will remember the best bits. life goes on." But, things seemed to turn sour and she began posting passive-aggressive messages directed at her ex.
The once innocent girl then began to post a series of sexy, scantily-clad selfies.
She even seemed to have undergone breast augmentation surgery.
Things continue to spiral, with Ulman appearing to be getting into recreational drugs.
She then begins dating again.
Before posting more sexy photos.
She then dies her hair black and looks visibly tired and forlorn.
And admits to struggling with crippling depression.
However, Ulman then gets her life back by practising a little self-care.
And, finally, a new man appears.
Eventually, Amalia admitted the whole persona was a hoax and a piece of performance art. Her work was archived by the digital art site Rhizome and, in 2016, it went on display at Tate Modern's 'Performing for the Camera' group show. This year it was turned into a book.
While Amalia's performance piece may not be to everyone's taste, there's no denying it's originality and just how easy it is for someone to create a fake persona online. If there's one lesson to take away from this, it's to not believe everything you see on the internet.