personis

Personis is a theoretical framework in the social sciences and information technology that describes the multiplicity of personhood across different contexts. The term is used to refer to the collection of personas, roles, and identity facets that a single individual may present in various social, cultural, or digital settings. The concept draws on ideas from dramaturgical theory, personal identity, and digital identity research to analyze how people construct and manage multiple self-representations.

Etymology and usage: The word personis is derived from persona, with a plural or abstract formation, and is used in scholarly discussions to emphasize the fluid and context-dependent nature of identity. It is not a fixed set of attributes but a dynamic repertoire that can shift with circumstance.

Key components: personal identity continuity over time; contextual personas (for example, professional versus private); digital footprints and online personas; audience and performance; privacy and agency. The framework highlights how observers infer traits from displayed personas and how individuals regulate disclosure.

Applications: In human-computer interaction, personis informs user-modeling and adaptive interfaces by allowing systems to switch between personas that align with user goals. In social science, it aids the study of role performance and impression management. In digital media, it supports analyses of authenticity, online influence, and content moderation.

Criticism: Some scholars warn against overdeveloping multipersona concepts or equating online presentation with core identity. Privacy concerns arise with detailed persona modeling and potential manipulation.