How far do you agree with this statement? 'Identity is complicated, everybody's got one'- Gauntlett

From the day that we are born, we begin to form our own identity. Our identity is formed by our surroundings, the events we take part in and the company which we keep. This is why I agree with the point that identity is complicated, because it is influenced by so many factors. As no two people live the same lives, each of these three influences are different for everybody. No two people know all of the exact same people or have the same relationship with them, nor do they have the exact same background or partake in the exact same event. Our identity makes us unique and differentiates us from others. As we grow our identity is constantly changing. One of the main influential things on children's lives nowadays is the Internet. The Internet contains many social networking sites where individuals are able to create their own profile (Ponty). They can also socialise with others as well as join groups which they feel relate to them. This will allow them to communicate with others who have something in common with them, forming a collective identity and in some cases, even a culture (Gauntlett). Social networking sites also allow people to see what is popular at any time, giving people the chance to be part of the 'in-group' and join in with what is generally seen as 'cool' at the time (Henri Tajfel).

In conclusion I agree strongly with the above statement as there are many influences which affect an individuals identity, making it completely different to any other persons identity. This shows how complicated identity is as it can not be duplicated. I also agree with the part of the statement which says that everybody has an identity as people begin to form their identity from the moment that they are born. This makes it impossible for any person to not have an identity. Apart from the environment which we grow up in and our background, the main influence on our identity is the media, the Internet in specific. It allows us to be creative when creating our profiles. It also allows us to meet others who have similar interests to us and form a collective identity, joining groups which are seen as popular and avoiding those which are seen as unpopular. Videos can also be viewed on the Internet as well as play games which also influence identity. The television also affects the make up of a persons identity.