Here's how the term is used:
* In literature and comics: Many fictional characters have alter egos. For example, Clark Kent is Superman's alter ego, and Bruce Wayne is Batman's alter ego. These characters are often presented as different sides of the same person, with the alter ego representing a more powerful, heroic, or secretive side.
* In psychology: In psychology, alter egos can be a part of dissociative identity disorder (DID), previously known as multiple personality disorder. This is a serious mental health condition where individuals may have multiple distinct identities that take control of their behavior.
* In everyday language: People often use "alter ego" to describe a different side of themselves they show to the world. For example, a shy person might have a flamboyant alter ego they only show with close friends.
It's important to remember that "alter ego" is a figurative term and not necessarily a literal "other self." It's a way of describing a different aspect of someone's personality or behavior.