In contemporary culture, there is no stronger imperative than to be authentic. But what does authenticity actually mean? Everywhere we turn, we are urged to ‘live our truth’: an element of Western culture that is almost never questioned. Authenticity in all its contexts is becoming more significant than ever as digital culture breeds fakery and capitalism offers the illusion of infinite choice. In this climate, finding and being yourself is a more complex idea than it sounds. In this set of sharp, lively essays blending pop culture and philosophy, Emily Bootle explores how authenticity has pervaded every facet of our culture. ‘This Is Not Who I Am’ dismantles the ideology surrounding being ourselves at all costs, and questions what fuels our authenticity obsession.