As someone who is exactly the same and totally different in person and in private - I endorse this essay. I don't think there's necessarily been an integrity decline, rather the consequences of saying what you think or really feel have become arduous and difficult. Those little white lies that make the world go round in small groups are now being extrapolated out into wider and wider contexts and I think you've managed to highlight the role of social media in doing this.

When people do talk with integrity - they are often labelled unpleasant or misguided by the other side and so everyone code-switches. Or in my case, I became a Penguin (see my pinned story) in order to not offend everyone else. I don't mind offending people, as I think that's part of a healthy society but as this is our first meeting, I shan't offend you.

This is a good piece. Welcome to Medium (you seem pretty new based on your follower count). Remember to use the full range of title/subtitle to tempt readers here and pictures of people generally do better than pictures of words. I hope you enjoy writing here, and I look forward to more of your thoughts. :o)