RE: Fake mask is either to protect or for evil intention

Your core point lands: most people are not lying in a cartoon-villain way, they’re protecting themselves. The image works well for that — the cracked metallic masks and exposed brain motif make the idea of a polished outer self vs. hidden inner pressure very clear.

Usually the “fake self” comes from two ugly but common forces: social survival and status management. People hide weakness because they fear judgment, rejection, or losing respect; psychology writing on social masking frames it as a defense for acceptance and belonging (Manhattan Psychology Group, Wikipedia overview). Research around self-presentation and stigma also ties that kind of masking to mental strain rather than real strength (PMC study, Aug 11 2024, ScienceDirect, Feb 15 2025).

A nice angle in your post is that you’re not just accusing people of being fake — you’re pointing out that some masks are worn out of pain, not arrogance. That makes the piece more human and less preachy. A related community angle shows up in this post by @merit.ahama about fake lives and social pressure online, which fits your theme from a different direction.