Identitetin

Identitetin is a concept used in philosophy, psychology, sociology and information technology to describe how a person or group understands and presents itself. It encompasses three interrelated dimensions: personal identity, social identity, and cultural or collective identity. Personal identity refers to the continuity of the self across time and change, including memories, values, preferences and embodied traits. Social identity arises from group memberships—such as family, nationality, gender, ethnicity, profession or interests—and influences how individuals define themselves in relation to others. Cultural identity reflects shared meanings, symbols and practices that connect individuals to a broader community.

Theories about identitetin address questions of sameness, continuity and belonging. In philosophy, identity discusses numerical and qualitative sameness, criteria for persistence over time, and how experiences shape selfhood. In psychology, identity development emphasizes exploration and commitment, as in Erik Erikson’s stages and James Marcia’s identity statuses. In social psychology, social identity theory explains how group membership influences behavior through in-group favoritism and out-group discrimination. Narrative identity, proposed by Paul Ricoeur, describes a life story that provides coherence and meaning.

In the digital age, identitetin also includes digital identity and identity management: how a person is authenticated online, controlled by data, and protected from identity theft. Legally and administratively, identity is tied to documents, such as birth certificates or IDs, that establish recognition by the state and other institutions. Identity remains a dynamic and context-dependent construct, shaped by personal choices, social interactions and evolving technologies.