{
  "id": 11250646,
  "title": "True identity emerges from lived experience, not hidden essence, research finds",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/true-identity-emerges-from-lived-experience-not-hidden-essence",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-01T18:00:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-10-true-identity-emerges-hidden-essence.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "Two psychology research papers, published in 2011 and 2021, suggest that our sense of \"true self\" may not be a hidden essence to be discovered, but rather something we construct from what feels natural and easy. This \"fluency\" refers to the subjective feeling of ease when performing tasks, whether it's having a natural conversation, an idea coming easily, or an activity feeling effortless. When an experience feels fluent, it can feel familiar, true, and pleasant, leading people to assume it reflects their true self. However, the researchers caution that fluency doesn't always align with our best interests. For example, smoking cigarettes can feel natural and authentic over time, making it harder to break the habit. This concept of fluency-induced authenticity could help inform interventions for self-control, not just to stop negative behaviors, but also to strengthen positive habits that align with our core values.",
  "summary": "So, you're a people pleaser? A social chameleon? Perhaps you're an introvert or an extrovert.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}