The True Cost of Authenticity: Unexpected Trade-Offs between Authenticity and Reputational, Relational, or Instrumental Goals

At what price comes authenticity? Four papers document authenticity tradeoffs in diverse domains. Firms may risk appearing immoral, politicians might deprioritize large donations, and individuals can lose friendships or harm important performances – all to feel or appear authentic. This suggests people sometimes forego authenticity to pursue other important goals.