EXPLORING TECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN IDENTITY
Table of Contents
Technology and relationships. 2
Technology and Self-Expression. 5
Conclusion and Looking Forward. 6
Introduction
Human identity can be defined as the unique characteristics, identifiers or attributes related to individuals within an environment or system (Oasis, 2024). It affects a person’s life in many ways, including work, family connections, and others (Ahmed, 2020). It includes personal details, biometric data, or other important and personal credentials used for access control and better user management (Oasis, 2024). It is important because it helps to create a sense of self-awareness and shape their actions, and viewpoints (Gupta, 2023). Technology plays a major role in human identity, as by leveraging the benefits of technology one can enhance or improve their lifestyle and do better in their lives. Technology can be used for self-improvement or enhancement, which can help in defining one’s identity. To explain better, cosmetic surgery and biomedicines can be said to be examples of interventions made possible because of the advancing technologies that ultimately can refine human identity (Rowland et al., 2024).
Technology and relationships
Technology has changed the way in which people connect and maintain their relationships. To improve relationships and establish better connections, communication tools such as video calls, instant and web messaging applications such as WhatsApp, and social media sites such as Facebook, and Instagram are available that allow friends, colleagues and family to stay connected despite being at far off distance (Antonucci et al., 2017). A statistics report showed that there were about 5.22 billion social media users worldwide in October 2024 (Petrosyan,2024). On the other hand, there are also apps and platforms like Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, and others that help one to meet new people and create new connections, hence enhancing relationships.
Figure 1: Total number of social media users around the world in October 2024.
(Source: Petrosyan,2024)
Technology is also useful as it can also be used as a resource, like therapy apps such as Happify and Talkspace which offer counseling and share communication tips. Meanwhile, collaborative tools and digital calendars can help couples and families to create a sense of togetherness and stay connected. However, technology should be used responsibly so that better relationships can be made but excessive reliance can also disturb the focus which may impact real-life interactions (Li et al., 2022).
Technology and Community
Technology is an important aspect when it comes to dealing with issues in the community or increasing communication within a community. Social media platforms can be used to connect to neighbours and community members and can be used for organising meetings and holding virtual public discussions which can also be used to increase broader participation. Community charity works can also be done where one can use crowdfunding platforms to support charity projects and increase community awareness of a particular project (Gooch et al., 2020). A crowdfunding revenue collection has been shown below in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Volume of crowdfunding funds in 2023.
(Source: Statista, 2024).
Moreover, the use of technology such as the installation of CCTV cameras is also useful in maintaining safety. On the other hand, if the technological resources are used effectively, smart city initiatives can be taken which will help address issues of traffic congestion and manage energy use better. Therefore, by creating engagement and collaboration, technology can bring people together and address issues to create inclusive communities.
Technology and Self-Expression
Technology has increased how now people express themselves to the world. It has become a big platform for self-expression that allows every individual to share their thoughts, their talent and create a social identity through that art among the global audiences. Say, social media sites, such as Instagram and other social media sites. Talking Instagram, a report, that about 100 million media files such as photos and videos are posted every day on Instagram. A report by Statista showed that Instagram profiles with more than 50,000 followers post an average of 9.3 times per week which was 6.5 in 2023 and accounts having about 10,000 to 50,000 followers post almost 5.1 times every week in 2024 which was 3.1 in 2023 (Dixon, 2024).
Figure 3: Number of posts on Instagram by different accounts sub-divided by follower count.
(Source: Dixon, 2024).
On the other hand, blogging sites such as WordPress, and other digital media sites can be used to showcase talent and create motivation for businesses and others to do the same (Llamas, 2024). Thus, a safe space can be created where people motivate each other which can increase how people express themselves and can be independent of their way and lead a better life, with better self-expression by utilizing technology in the best possible way.
Conclusion and Looking Forward
The future of technology is bright as more innovations are happening every day and new tools and technologies that can be used to enhance one’s lifestyle are getting introduced which have features that make sharing one’s thoughts, ideas and talent efficient. Thus, showing how technology can be used to create a better human identity.