Write an entry in your learning log (up to 500 words) about the creation of false or alternative identities online. You can touch upon any of the points discussed above, or perhaps review one of the photographic projects mentioned.
The term alter ego originated in the 1730s by Anton Mesmer who was studying behaviour under hypnosis. The term ‘alter ego’ came into more general use in the 19th century.
Wikipedia’s definition is as follows:
An alter ego (Latin for “other I”) means alternative self , which is believed to be distinct from a person’s normal or true original personality.
A number of photographers have devoted most of their work to creating alter egos. Claude Cahun (1894 – 1954), a French photographer created self-images in both genders. She described the only valid gender as ‘neuter’ gender. Gillian Waring imitated much of Cahun’s work, creating many alter egos for herself. Nikki S. Lee reinvented herself in numerous character rolls. She dedicated a lot of time to get to know different groups, ‘the others’, and integrated herself into these groups. She dressed and made herself up in whatever was the ‘style’ of the particular group. She then asked a friend or passer by to take snaps of her with members of these groups. The various groups included schoolgirls, elderly people, punks and erotic dancers. Her images are totally convincing. Cindy Shearman continues to re-invent herself, in images, almost weekly with her Instagram posts. Trish Morrissey, the Irish photographer, made a series of images where she replaced the mother in seaside groups and had the ‘real’ mother take a picture of her with the family.
Although there appear to be more female artists that create alter egos there are also male artists that created their, or their friends, alter egos. Man Ray’s photos of Rose Selvay created the female alter ego of Duchamp. Andy Warhol’s self portrait, Self-portrait in Drag 1981,is another example.
Creating an alter ego in real life requires quite a bit of research and time investment. On the other hand there are so many opportunities on the Internet to create a digital image of oneself in the virtual world. The practice is a lot less complicated than having to infiltrate different groups or even having to source and don different costumes to alter ones ego.
Second Life, is a classic online gaming or interaction site, where it is expected that members create an alter ego in the form of an avatar. These avatars can either be selected from a database of templates, on the site, or they can be created by the member offline, and uploaded. This is the first step in the member’s definition of their alter ego. The member can be who or what they want in this virtual world. The features or bodily features chosen can be realistic or fantasised. Members with issues, mental or physical, can create an idealised image of themselves. Those with strange or perverted personality traits can also create weird alter egos. Julian Dribble created an interesting book(1) containing photographs by Robbie Cooper. He photographed Second Life gamers in the real world and these were placed alongside their virtual images. Dribble filled in the background information about these people. (1)
People looking for partners on online dating sites often create digital images of themselves that have very little resemblance to their real selves. This can lead to complications if face to face meetings are arranged. For some these forays into online dating are a search for variety in life while for others they are genuine searches for contact and friendship.
Psychologists seem to agree that having an alter ego is not harmful so long as one keeps the real self strongly in focus (2). Many famous people, Beyonce for example, have alter egos. They feel it necessary to have another personality away from the public persona.
- Dibbell;, J., 2007. Alter Ego: Avatars And Their Creators. Chris Boot
- Life Persona. 2019. What does it mean to have an Alter Ego? (Psychology) | Life Persona. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.lifepersona.com/what-does-it-mean-to-have-an-alter-ego-psychology. [Accessed 01 May 2019]
Digital Image & Culture 