Alter Ego
In summary: An Alter Ego is like another self they can have their own values, opinions and identities. They work within one shared consciousness, even if they feel distinct or have their own identities. They can help cope with Trauma but are also used as personas to safely explore different parts of themselves. Adopting an alter ego can allow the "batman effect" (self distancing) means someone can think separately from themselves.
Here I will be talking about what this terms is and everything you need to know about!
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Hello! I'm Bunny! I made this rentry as well, now I'm making one for Alter egos! From what I've seen it was never talked about on Tumblr (when I was on the sight) or on rentry at all and think it would be good for people to know. So here is this rentry! I've pinpointed me experiencing having Alter Egos in 2017-2019, about the start middle school for me, but I didn't have a name for it until now!
Who has it?
Anyone can have it! however it can be more seen in those who are neurodivergent. Those with mental illness might have them more often to help cope with stress.
In the world of psychology talk a lot about personas. They see personas as the social masks people wear, the way we present ourselves to others. It's like a way of communicating who we are and how we want to be recognized. People use personas for different reasons - to be more attractive, to make new friends, or to keep their real identities hidden. When it comes to managing their public image, famous people often use personas strategically. It helps them shape their roles and connect their inner selves to the outside world.
For example: Authors often use pen names for various purposes. Some do it to stand out more or to create some distance from their other works. Or like social media, alter egos are like avatars. You control that identity like your sona, name, username, pronouns etc.
What are Alter Egos?
The term "alter ego" comes from Latin, meaning "other self" or "second self." The dictionary definition says "a second identity or aspect of a person that exists metaphorically as their substitute or representative, with different characteristics." It represents a distinct identity that coexists alongside a person’s primary self, embodying different characteristics, behaviors, and strengths.
An alter ego help cope, it allows you to be in a more confident, resilient, or high-performing version of yourself. You create a detailed persona, visualizing its traits, and even adopting physical cues—like clothing or gestures—that reinforce the identity. Whether drawn from real-life role models or fiction / characters, an alter ego give others the ability explore their own person and help themselves "preform".
However, parts of you can carry pain, fear or protection of yourself that have turned inward in unhealthy ways. Some alter egos are formed to contain certain emotions such as anger, sadness, guilt, etc. to protect you by taking control during stressful situations. But the role can become extreme sometimes.
What Alter Egos aren't.
They are not alters within in a system. While they do cross-over, DID is a severe condition in which two or more distinct identities, or personality states, control an individual’s behavior at different times. Unlike alter egos, which are often consciously adopted or created, the identities in DID are involuntary and can cause significant distress. DID represents a more extreme manifestation of multiple selves within an individual, characterized by a lack of control over the shifts between identities and potential memory gaps. While memory issues can occur, it is not caused by having Alter Ego's.
DID and OSDD can't control and they are disorders. While having Alter Egos is more controlled and can stem from other diagnoses.