“Who Am I, Really?”: Dr Era Dutta on the content creator identity crisis and ways to deal with it

"The key is to align your digital identity as closely as possible to your authentic self." Dr Era Dutta on dealing with the pressure of the online world and ways content creators can handle an identity crisis.

Having days that feel both good and bad is part of being human. No matter how well you are doing in life, there are always days when impostor syndrome kicks in and makes you doubt your success. As creators, who are constantly in the public eye, dealing with this might also involve going back online and enjoying the attention they receive. But more often than not, creators may end up facing an identity crisis, trying to figure out how to distinguish their online persona from their real-life self. But what exactly is an “identity crisis," especially for digital creators, and how is it different from what others might experience offline? Dr. Era Dutta, MD Psychiatry, MBBS, a well-known consultant psychiatrist and mental health creator, describes it as having two versions, one that is their "real self" and another that is a curated online persona. She notes how the gap between these two can be even wider for digital creators, with them appearing as confident, stylish, and widely admired online, even though their real selves may feel far from that image.

“In the past, identity conflicts typically arose between work and personal life. However, with the lines between online and offline blurring, creators may struggle to reconcile their identity with their online presence. The key is to align your digital identity as closely as possible to your authentic self. A consistent, genuine presence online not only reduces the mental strain, it also builds deeper trust with your audience.”

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Considering how important numbers have become for those involved in the online space, counting and associating one's self-worth with them has become an integral part of the experience. Choosing to view their performance metrics as a factor that determines their value has also become a major reason for creators to face an identity crisis in real life. That’s exactly why they need to separate their self-worth from performance metrics. Dutta suggests helpful reframing as an option. “If your content reaches 500 people, imagine them as a full auditorium—how powerful is that impact? Also, revisit why you started creating. If your motivation was self-expression, impact, or community, remind yourself of that when numbers begin to dominate your mindset. Regular check-ins with your core “why” can bring perspective back.”

If you are wondering how to approach or deal with an identity crisis as a creator, here's what Dr Dutta suggests:

What are some early signs that a creator may be relying too heavily on external validation?

Validation is human, but when your emotional state hinges entirely on likes, shares, and comments, it’s time for a check-in.

Red flags include:

• Obsessing over negative feedback more than positive impact.

• Feeling low or anxious when engagement dips.

• Letting poor metrics affect your sleep, eating habits, or motivation.

When external approval drives your self-perception, it may be time to pause and re-centre.

How can creators stay true to themselves while adapting to audience expectations or algorithm trends?

Think of your creative identity like a film actor’s role—balancing audience appeal, storyline demands, and personal authenticity. Similarly, define your own content “formula”:

• How much do you want to share?

• What feels true to you?

• Where can you compromise for growth without losing yourself?

It’s not about resisting change—it’s about evolving without erasing your essence.

For creators who pivot content and lose followers, how should they handle the grief or guilt of change?

Any pivot can feel like shedding a part of yourself—and some followers may no longer resonate, which is natural.

Think of it like decluttering: letting go of things that once held meaning to make room for new growth. If you’ve changed because you felt stagnant or misaligned, then that shift is worth honouring. Focus on the value you now bring rather than the numbers you lose.

For creators feeling stuck or burnt out, what first steps that can help rebuild their sense of self?

Start with a pause. Take a break from creating and consuming. Don’t force inspiration—that's the “Law of reversed effort” (Aldous Huxley), which says the more you try, the harder it gets.

Instead, give your mind true rest: read, walk, sleep, listen to music, and go offline. Set a clear time for this “creative sabbatical” and return with renewed clarity. Treat your brain to the same kind of vacation you’d give your body.

As we mark National Doctors' Day, what message would you share about the importance of mental healthcare in the digital age, especially for creators?

Mental healthcare today is in constant evolution, just like the digital world. Creators, though self-employed, often mirror the burnout seen in high-pressure jobs. My message: Treat content creation as a real job. Set clear boundaries. Separate your personal life from your online presence. Burnout isn’t a badge of honour. Rest, recharge, and realign—your creativity depends on it.

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If you are a creator, how do you deal with an identity crisis? Let us know in the comments below.