Identity Buzzword
10 Oct 2005 As I mentioned in my previous posts, I'm no big fan of word "identity". Think a big about the Webster's definition of "identity":You may also find a more "social" definition of word "identity" (WordNet):
Think about this blog. How can you be sure that it is indeed Radovan Semancik that have written these lines. How you can be sure that Radovan Semancik even exists? But does it even matter, as long as you like this site? It is not the real-world identity that matters in this weird digital world. It is the "persona" that matters. The part of the personality that is visibly presented.
As long as you like the way as the persona presents itself, as it acts, you do not need to know the link to the real-world entity behind it. That's the same as in normal social interactions in the real-world. When you meet someone you will not ask for an goverment-issued ID document that will state the identity of the person you met. You will likely believe the name that he tells you. And you will judge him by his acts ("persona"), not his name or SSN ("identity").
Forget the "Identity", think about "Persona".
BTW: "Identity" is really a nice buzzword. It sound good. Say it for yourself: "Identity Management", "Identity Technology". It sounds trustworthy. It sounds like it really means something. Great buzzword, indeed. I can understand why sales people use it. But we should better avoid it, anyway.