Table of contentsIntroductionAspects of identityIdentities are created through communication:Identities are created in fits and starts:Identities are multiple:Identities are influenced by society:Identities are dynamic:Identities develop in different ways across cultures:Groups that shape our identityAge identity:National identity:Regional identity:Cyber ​​identity:Personal identity:IntroductionEvery human being has his or her own identity. It is not just about our physical characteristics, our cultural background or our gender, but rather something that is constantly developing through our experiences and our encounters (communication) with other people. Identities are dynamic and complex. We also have multiple identities that are influenced by cultural context and society (Judith et al. 2013: 45). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Our identities are a very important part of our self-concept. They are not constant and it is not something we can achieve or complete (Spreckels, J. & Kotthoff, H., 2009). Aspects of Identity Identities are created through communication: The development of our identities depends heavily on communication. Identities are co-created and reinforced through communication with other people. We are who we are because of the conversations we have had and the relationships we have formed throughout our lives. As Kennith J. Gergen says: “I am bound, therefore I am” (Gergen, 1985: 45). Every time we communicate, it gives us an opportunity to learn something, express ourselves, behave in a certain way, and change our behavior. thoughts or opinions about something. This allows us to form a self-concept that becomes part of our identity. Depending on who we communicate with and what we talk about, different parts of our identity may be emphasized. Gergen also mentioned that mobile communication technologies (phone calls, text messages, etc.) also influence our relationships as well as our identity (Gergen, 2002). For example: If someone I've never met calls me on the phone to book a photo shoot, (as I'm a photographer), my physical or sexual orientation identities probably won't be as important to them as my age or my professional identity, as these could give them an idea of ​​my maturity and experience which could help them decide if I am trustworthy. to take photos on their special occasion. Identities are created in fits and starts: We may go through stages where we are very aware of our identities and how they are being shaped, however, there will be other periods where we do not pay much attention to it. 'attention. Our identities do not develop steadily or smoothly, they develop in fits and starts. “Some events provide insight into who we are, but they are framed by long periods of time when we do not think much about ourselves or our identity” (Judith et al. 2013: 46). For example: When I was 15 years old, I participated in an exchange program in the United States of America. During the 11 months I spent there, I constantly questioned my identity. I lived with a family who practiced a different religion than me, they had a different class identity than my family at home, and of course, they had a different nationality than mine. I had adopted many of their practices and “norms”. This yearwas a year full of personal development. My self-image and identity had changed dramatically upon my return to South Africa. Identities are multiple: So many different factors come into play to make us who we are, which is why we don't have one identity, but rather identities. The context, times, and people around us determine which identity will come into play. We are all part of many different groups within the community, all of which may highlight something different about our identity (Fiddy , 2010). For example: I can't describe myself with one word. I'm a woman, a student, a photographer, a swimmer, and the list goes on. However, let's say that by joining a feminist group, I can describe my gender identity more while spending time with that specific group. Identities are influenced by society: Our identities are influenced by societal forces such as politics, economics, and history. “Although each person has their own personality, ideas and thoughts, we are shaped by the society and culture that surrounds us every day” (Fussell, 2010). This is why people associate with specific groups and not others. We have been placed in identity categories even before we were born (Gergen, 2002). For example: if both of your parents are Christians, you might also be labeled by society as a Christian. Identities are dynamic: Identities must be considered dynamic. rather than fixed, because they are constantly changing. What we associated with a specific identity 30 years ago may be completely different today. Judith et al (2002: 47) mention that “the social forces that give rise to particular identities are constantly changing”. For example: My gender identity is female. Years ago, it was something you were born with and couldn't change. This could mean that you are weaker than men, that you have to stay at home, clean and cook. But today it's something completely different. There is power in our femininity. More and more women are becoming successful businesswomen and starting their own businesses. In the past, this was the role of men, but today we are fighting for equality. Our perception of the label “woman” might be different in 20 years. Identities develop in different ways across cultures: In many societies, individualism is emphasized. From a young age, we are told that we are unique and encouraged to “know who we are” and be independent. However, not all societies share this vision of individualism. In other countries, your community or family identity may be more important than your individual identity. “Identity development does not occur in the same way in all societies” (Judith et al, 2002: 47). For example: a child born in the United States of America may focus on developing a strong individual identity. Thus, they would pursue their interests, dress and behave differently from members of their family or community. Whereas a child in a country like Japan, which has a collective culture, might focus on developing or integrating their family's identity. So, they might decide to join or take over the family business rather than going off to study something completely different. Groups that shape our identity Age Identity: Our age can determine how we dress, speak and behave. We are also supposed tobehave in a certain way depending on our age. For example, if you are 18 or older in South Africa, the community may expect you to find a job and move out of your parents' house. Different generations are also associated with different behaviors, skills and knowledge. For example, my generation is considered the technologically advanced generation. According to research, we are also more optimistic, open-minded, globally oriented and concerned about environmental protection (Judith et al, 2002: 47). Different cultures celebrate certain ages, for example a Latino girl's 15th birthday is very important, as is a 21st in South Africa. We celebrate these birthdays because they signify adulthood in our cultures. Yet this is exactly what the media and people have taught us to believe. You might be a 16-year-old South African and feel and act more like an adult, while someone else might be 21 and have no sense of responsibility or desire to act like an adult. “Even when we communicate to others how we feel about our age, we receive messages from the media telling us how we should feel” (Judith et al, 2002: 47). How I Communicate My Age Identity: My age identity is communicated through my clothing, the jargon/slang I use, the people I spend my time with, and the communication methods I use. I feel that the way I dress is modern, trendy and acceptable for a 21 year old student. However, it might be looked down upon if a 50-year-old businesswoman wore the same thing. Most of my friends are between 18 and 30, we tend to use "current" slang that older people may not understand. Using cell phones, computers and social media are part of my daily life. National Identity: National identity, or nationality, is often confused with racial or ethnic identity. However, it is its own identity, influenced by the cultures, traditions and language of your country. “It is the feeling of a nation as a coherent whole” (Tariq, 2018). When we think of America, we think of people who are very patriotic, English-speaking, and sports-loving, as that makes up a large part of the country's traditions and traditions. culture. “Friday Night Lights” is a tradition where a big American football game takes place on a Friday night and the entire city turns out to support the teams and watch the fireworks. It is part of their national identity as lovers of American football. In South Africa, however, American football is barely played, but rugby is big business. How I communicate my national identity: Personally, I think South African identity is difficult to explain and represent, because there are so many different cultures and languages. So even though I am South African, I feel like I only represent the English and Afrikaans part of the nation. I communicate this by being proud of my country, associating with a mixture of people of different races, cultures and ethnicities, because South Africa is a rainbow nation. My traditions and the activities I do communicate my national identity, for example when I go to a friend's house on a Saturday afternoon to braai and watch a rugby match. I also communicate my nationality through the way I speak, using expressions such as "howzit" and "now now", singing the South African national anthem, etc. Regional Identity: Regional identity is similar to national identity, however, it is the concept of your region.,.