Each person has a different view of a matter or of a person. What you may think of yourself might differ from what others think of you. These two perspectives are named Personal Identity and Social Identity. Personal identity is the image you have of yourself and Social Identity, the image that other people have of you. Different aspects of your life can change the opinions you have of yourself and others around you.
Personal Identity
So, what forms these identities? Various moments in our life can influence our personal identity. Interests, values, beliefs and talents also play a part in who you think you are. Your personal identity can also stem from things you do and associate yourself with.
Social Identity
Social Identity on the other hand, is the identity forged through your actions that are perceived by others. Many people are actually surprised when they hear that the image they have of themselves is not the same image that people around them see. From a personal point of view, your social identity at times can seem very off-putting. An image forged by others is only created by what others see and oftentimes, there are events, feelings and things that stay hidden in the shadows.
The Two Worlds
The difference in perception is where the divergence between two worlds occurs, the world within your own mind, and the world outside that you share with others. People are more likely to take note of your misgivings than your achievements. According to a study, a negative incident has three times more impact on the human mind than a positive incident. This means that your identity in the eyes of the wider community can be a little more negative. While you may be more comfortable with your personal identity, people may see you as a social being or vice versa.
Which identity you feel makes a bigger impact on you can come as a direct correlation to how you grew up. If you grew up in a huge social group, then maybe your social identity is more important. But, if you are someone who has never truly fit in, then maybe forging your personal identity would be seen as a better use of your time than trying to fit in.
No matter what person you are or become, you will always possess these two identities. What kind of person you choose to become will impact both of these identities, directly or indirectly. We will always be defined by the actions we take, the actions we choose not to take and the words we speak, all of these are the fine tunings of a person and their personality. So, forge your identity the way you want, and be comfortable in your skin.
Writer : Ethan
Grade : 10 (Year 2023)
Place : Sydney, Australia
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