Self-identity Crisis

Globalization and self-identity are at the two poles of modern movements. The technical-economic globalization has left almost every country no choice but to become part of the assimilation process, however, on the cultural-spiritual level, things aren’t going that smooth, and probably never will be.

Human beings are social animals, we living together in order to survive; therefore, essentially we are afraid of being “left out”. We need to be assimilated in some ways, to share similar values and believes, so that the society can function well, so can ourselves. But, to be understandable does not mean to be unrecognizable; we also have the need to be a distinguishable individual, to keep our uniqueness.

The Internet makes us incredible easy to “keep up” with others, but such constant, almost real-time, and rapid exchange of information, forcing us to adjust ourselves all the time to be able to keep “in fashion”. Visiting Facebook or browsing Youtube has become one of indispensable daily activities to some people, as important as food and cigarette. Many other digital devices and technolongies, such as iPhone or 3G network, are also developed, so that can make us more easier to be connected together all the time. However, such fast living pace style driving us moving forward so crazy that leaving us no time to think back, which is vital and fundamental for a healthy self-identity.

We are so easy to lost ourselves in this digital era; we are no long sure which part of us is real, both physically and psychologically. Multiple personality becomes a need rather than disease to keep us away from being crazy. We need to split ourselves and create new self-identity for each life or world, the real and digital. Moreover, these different identities are not stable, but need to be constantly transvaluated, in order to keep our uniqueness. It is more and more hard for us to control our identities, but only can learn to adapt ourselves to the new selves.

I am not so pessimistic about this change, just feel so ironic how people want to be same with other in order to feel safe, while, on the other hand, trying to make different voices, so that they will not fall into oblivion. It is just like playing the rope walking.