What Makes Content Authentic? The Real Baseline For Writers

Just because you do everything yourself doesn’t make you authentic.

Dall E

Ask five different people what makes content authentic, and you’ll likely get five different answers.

Some will tell you it’s about writing every single word yourself. Others will say it’s about being honest and real. But what does that even mean?

We need a real baseline for authenticity—one that goes beyond shallow definitions. One that helps writers navigate the modern content landscape without falling into the traps of inauthenticity.

Because without a clear understanding of what makes content truly authentic, we risk doing what we accused AI of doing: churning out content that looks real but lacks a soul.

Yes, even if you’re NOT using AI, you can be very, very fake.

The many (shallow) definitions of authenticity

At the lowest level, some people define authenticity as doing everything yourself. No AI, no ghostwriters—just you and the blank page.

But that’s a plainly outdated definition. If authenticity meant writing in isolation, then books with editors, journalists with fact-checkers, and entrepreneurs with copywriters wouldn’t be considered authentic.

And yet, some of the most valuable, original, and creative works ever produced were collaborative efforts.

A slightly more refined definition says authenticity is about being real and honest. This sounds better, but it’s still incomplete.

Honest about what? Real in what way?

Even the most deceptive snake oil salesmen can post pictures of their pets, share a personal struggle, or craft a seemingly heartfelt post. But if their intent is to manipulate rather than serve, does that make them authentic?

Without a clear baseline for authenticity, writers won’t have a compass. They either:

1. Overcorrect and limit their tools (avoiding AI or outside help at all costs, even when it could improve their work).

2. Write without integrity, optimizing only for trends, clicks, and engagement rather than truth and value.

3. Constantly second-guess themselves, leading to creative paralysis.

And I’ve seen this a lot in the comment sections of my own work.

This connects to the problem of inauthenticity

Inauthentic writing thrives in confusion.

As discussed in the previous essay, inauthenticity happens when there’s misalignment—when a writer’s words, intent, and expertise don’t actually line up. If we don’t properly define authenticity, we create an environment where inauthentic writing can thrive.

That’s the real danger.

Not AI. Not automation. But a lack of clarity on what makes writing meaningful and valuable in the first place.

So, let’s fix that.

Authenticity is about serving a higher mission

Ultimately, authentic writing is about making the world a better place. That sounds dramatic, but hear me out.

I’m not saying that you need to work towards world peace to be an authentic writer. I’m saying, attach your writing to a mission that makes your audience's lives better, in whatever ways you know how.

Are you a personal development writer? Being authentic means writing content that you believe will make your audience grow.

Are you a writer in the crypto space? This means giving strategies to make your clients more money. And so on.

Essentially: attaching the content you create to a higher mission.

Authentic content isn’t just about being honest or “real” in a vacuum—it’s about being real in service of something bigger than yourself.

Instead of asking, Did I write every word myself? the real question should be:

• Is my writing aligned with what I truly believe?

• Is it providing real value to others?

• Does it serve my audience, not just my personal gain?

When you look at it this way, authenticity boils down to generosity.

Authentic writing is giving more than you take—whether that’s through knowledge, insights, or inspiration. It’s writing for the audience’s benefit, not just manipulating them into a purchase or engagement metric.

It exists to make the reader better off.

But what about content businesses?

Shifting into an abundance mindset, the prerequisite for authentic writing, doesn’t mean giving everything away for free.

It means believing that there’s more than enough value to go around—that by sharing your expertise, insights, and experiences openly, you’re not losing anything. You’re deepening connections, building trust.

Strengthening your brand.

Generous writers believe that their mission is bigger than just making money

It’s about making a bigger impact in the world. They write not just to sell, but to serve. They know that money follows impact, not the other way around.

Many worry that giving away valuable insights for free will hurt their business, and thus turn to a more greed-oriented mindset. But in reality, it does the opposite—it positions them as an authority and earns their audience’s trust.

Besides, true success comes from genuine connection, not manipulation.

Instead of chasing short-term gains, generous writers invest in long-term relationships with their audience.

This is what authenticity means.

But so what? How does authentic writing help anyone?

What happens when more creators embrace authentic writing?

On the microscopic, individual level:

• Trust blooms. Audiences can tell when you’re genuinely invested in your mission. This builds long-term credibility rather than short-term attention.

• Writing becomes more fulfilling. Instead of chasing metrics, you feel a sense of purpose in your work.

• The right audience finds you. Generous writing attracts people who genuinely resonate with your values—not just passive scrollers looking for the next semi-interesting thing to get them off their fugue.

On the larger scale:

• The internet gets less polluted with manipulative content. When generosity replaces greed, readers get real value instead of constantly being “sold” something under false pretenses.

• AI is used responsibly, not deceptively. Instead of replacing real expertise, AI is used to enhance it—you can refine your insights rather than fabricate knowledge or intentions you don’t have.

• Content culture shifts toward impact over engagement. The more people prioritize mission-driven writing, the less power clickbait, shallow trends, and deceptive tactics will have.

Another Authenticity Test

Are you writing from a place of generosity?

Here’s a quick gut check to identify if you’re being authentic, or if you’re attempting to game your audience.

Before publishing, ask yourself:

• Is this piece aligned with my mission? Does it make the world better in a way that only you can do? Or are you creating it solely to drive an external result?

• Does it make my audience better off? Will readers walk away feeling informed, inspired, or connected? Or does the content serve only your own interests?

If the answer is yes to both, your writing is authentic.

If it’s designed only to induce fear, manipulate, or funnel people into something shady, it’s greedy, inauthentic writing.

Authenticity isn’t a marketing tactic

Authenticity isn’t something you sprinkle into your writing to boost engagement.

It’s a commitment to showing up truthfully and serving your audience with integrity.

This is especially relevant in the age of AI. True authenticity isn’t about manually penning every word—it’s about meaning what you say, how you say it, and ensuring it serves your audience.

Authenticity comes from your intent, your mission, and the real value you provide. This way, you can use AI responsibly by ensuring it aligns with all of those.

At the end of the day, the real question isn’t whether AI was involved—it’s did this content genuinely help someone?

What’s your take? How do you define authenticity in your own work?

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PS. This series isn’t over! Authenticity doesn’t just end on the page. Just like how understanding is 90% based on non-verbal cues, a BIG part of authenticity is about what happens off page. The next edition will discuss “non-content signs of authenticity.”

Also, big announcement:

I’m writing the Ultimate Guide to Authentic AI writing! Pledged subscribers will get the content for free. Buy Me A Coffee Donors will get it at 50% off. Donate on the button below! ;)