identitas

Identitas is a concept referring to the characteristics that define something or someone as distinct from others. In everyday use, it denotes the attributes, roles, or qualities that establish a person or object’s identity. The term comes from Latin identitas, meaning sameness or the quality of being the same.

In philosophy, personal identity concerns what makes a person the same individual over time, despite change. Debates address whether identity rests on memory, bodily continuity, psychological continuity, or other criteria. The topic raises questions about how a person persists through life and how changes in body or mind affect who they are.

Sociology and psychology view identity as both self-concept and social identity. Individual identity includes traits, beliefs, and life stories, while social identity involves membership in groups such as family, culture, ethnicity, nationality, or gender. Identity is often formed through social interaction, cultural norms, and personal experiences, and it can evolve across different contexts and life stages.

In governance and law, identity is often verified through official documents to establish citizenship, rights, and access to services. Examples include national identity cards, passports, and driver’s licenses. These systems facilitate administration, voting, security, and mobility but also raise concerns about privacy, data security, and the potential for identity theft or misuse.

In information technology, digital identity represents the online equivalents of a person’s identity, comprising credentials and attributes used to authenticate and authorize access to digital resources. Identity and access management, biometrics, and standards such as OAuth or SAML are common components of digital identity infrastructure.