What term describes the practice of altering the presentation of the self to create specific appearances for different audiences?

The term that describes the practice of altering the presentation of the self to create specific appearances for different audiences is impression management. This concept is rooted in the work of sociologist Erving Goffman, who likened social interactions to theatrical performances in which individuals take on roles depending on the social context.

Impression management involves consciously or unconsciously adjusting one's behavior, appearance, and communication styles to influence how others perceive them. This can manifest in various settings, such as professional environments, social gatherings, or online platforms, where people may present different facets of their identity based on the expectations or norms of the audience they are engaging with.

While self-presentation refers to the general act of presenting oneself to others, and identity construction involves the ongoing process of developing a personal identity, impression management specifically emphasizes the strategic and often situational nature of these presentations in response to external perceptions and dynamics. Social adaptation, on the other hand, entails modifying one's behaviors or attitudes to fit into a particular community or group but does not encapsulate the nuances of intentionally crafting appearances like impression management does.