How to Define Alter Ego
Alter ego can be defined by several interpretations in the fields of business, law, psychology and philosophy.
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Etymology
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Alter ego has its roots in a Latin phrase translated as "second self" (literally, "second I"). It was popularized by Aristotle.
Basic Definitions
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The most common use of alter ego refers to another side of a person. People can use their alter egos to lead double lives, or simply to conduct business under another name, usually in creative fields like performing and writing. Alter ego can also be used to define an actual other---an associate of intense closeness, either through a shared intimacy or constant accompaniment.
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Legal/Business Use
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There is also a legal term in business law defining alter ego to describe situations in which a person or group has conducted (usually) unethical personal business while representing a company. It serves to disregard the person's association with the company in order to prosecute him or her as an individual without punishing the company for the individual's misdeed.
Psychoanalysis
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Alter ego is defined in psychoanalysis as a narcissistic need for a person to create a similar self, usually a grandiose or idealized version fulfilling a specific need such as to be liked or measure up to parental expectations. The term is used in discussions of self-identification, human sexuality and imaginary friends.
Literature/Pop Culture
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The alter ego is a familiar device in pop culture, especially in literature and comic books. Some famous alter egos are Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, Batman/Bruce Wayne and Superman/Clark Kent. In the digital world, avatars for role-playing video games and social networks can be considered alter egos, as in this case users are creating characters that are often imbued with personality traits the user wishes he or she had, and these avatars also work to conceal the true identity of the user.
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