This mixed-methods study investigated the mechanisms through which audience expectations constrain authentic selfexpression and identified pathways individuals employ to transition from social pretense to authentic living in contemporary society. Utilizing a convergent parallel design, the research collected data from 450 participants selected through stratified random sampling, with an additional 30 participants purposively selected for qualitative interviews. Quantitative instruments included validated scales measuring authenticity, social anxiety, fear of negative evaluation, and self-monitoring, alongside researcher-developed items assessing audience pressure and social pretense behaviors. Data were analyzed through univariate, bivariate, and binary logistic regression techniques, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software. The univariate analysis revealed that 56.2% of participants were pretense-oriented, with mean scores indicating moderate authenticity (M=48.3, SD=12.7), moderate-to-high social anxiety (M=52.6, SD=14.2), and substantial audience pressure perception (M=31.7, SD=9.8) across the sample. Bivariate analyses demonstrated significant gender disparities, with females experiencing significantly lower authenticity (t=-3.24, p=0.001) and higher social anxiety (t=4.17, p