6.4. Personas and Code Switching#

The way we present ourselves to others around us (our behavior, social role, etc.) is called our public persona. We also may change how we behave and speak depending on the situation or who we are around, which is called code switching.

While modified behaviors to present a persona or code switch may at first look inauthentic, they can be a way of authentically expressing ourselves in each particular setting. For example:

  • Speaking in a formal manner when giving a presentation or answering questions in a court room may be a way of authentically sharing your experiences and emotions, but tailored to the setting

  • Sharing those same experiences and emotions with a close friend may look very different, but still can be authentic

Still, these modifications of behavior can also be inauthentic. In the YouTube Video Essay: YouTube: Manufacturing Authenticity (For Fun and Profit!) by Lindsay Ellis, Ellis explores nuances in authenticity as a YouTuber. She highlights the emotional labor of keeping emotional expressions consistent with their public persona, even when they are having different or conflicted feelings. She also highlights how various “calls to action” (e.g., “subscribe to my channel”) may be necessary for business and can be (and appear) authentic or inauthentic.

Read/watch more about code switching here:

6.4.1. Reflection Questions#

  • How do you notice yourself changing how you express yourself in different situations, particularly on social media?

    • Do you feel like those changes or expression are authentic to who you are, do they compromise your authenticity in some way?