Identitys

Identity is the concept by which an individual or group is recognized and distinguished. It encompasses the characteristics, attributes, and beliefs that define a person or entity and relates to how they are perceived by themselves and others. The term is used in philosophy, psychology, sociology, law, and information technology.

Philosophical perspective: Personal identity concerns the persistence of a person over time. The central questions involve what makes someone the same person across moments—bodily continuity, psychological continuity, memory, and the sense of a continuing self. Notable discussions include Locke’s memory theory and the later debates about psychological continuity, embodiment, and the Ship of Theseus.

Social identity: People derive identity from group memberships—family, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, occupation. Social identity theory explains how group affiliation shapes self-definition, behavior, and intergroup relations. Identity can be fluid, negotiated, and contextual, and may give rise to identity politics and calls for recognition or rights.

Digital and legal identity: In information technology, digital identity refers to the online representation of a person or entity, used for authentication and access control. Identity management encompasses processes to verify, store, and protect identity attributes. Legally, identity is tied to citizenship, birth records, and official documents. Risks include identity theft and privacy concerns.

The term identitys is not standard English; the plural form is identities. The incorrect form may appear in misspellings or search queries.