közszerepli

közszerepli is a Hungarian neologism used in contemporary media and cultural criticism to describe the phenomenon of individuals performing publicly in various forums—such as media, politics, or everyday life—in order to participate in public discourse or shape public perception. The word combines köz- (public) with a root related to szereplés (appearance, acting), with the suffix -i forming a noun or adjective.

There is no single, universally accepted definition; usage varies. In some contexts, közszerepli refers to deliberate self-representation or persona-building undertaken to gain public visibility, often seen in social media, livestreaming, or political campaigning. In others, it denotes the broader social dynamic of people taking on public roles beyond traditional elites, contributing to the democratization of the public sphere.

Key features attributed to közszerepli include a performative dimension (the act is intended for an audience), mediatization (the appearance is mediated by digital platforms or mass media), and a blurred boundary between private and public life. Critics may interpret it as spectacle or manipulation, while supporters see it as a democratic form of participation and visibility.

The term remains unofficial and is primarily used in contemporary discourse rather than in formal dictionaries. It intersects with concepts such as performative politics, self-branding, and the public sphere (közszféra). See also: public sphere, performative politics, self-branding.