Model Responses: Identity Task (Article
vs. Blog)
Model Article
Living with Multiple Identities in the Digital Age
Identity has never been a simple concept. While people have always adapted their
behaviour to fit different situations, the rise of digital technology and social media has made
the question of authenticity more pressing than ever. Today, most individuals manage at
least three versions of themselves: the private self at home, the public self in school or work,
and the online self presented to the wider world. The challenge is determining whether
these identities are authentic or carefully constructed performances — and how they shape
our understanding of ourselves and others.
One of the clearest examples of shifting identity comes from online life. On social media,
people often present a polished version of themselves: photographs edited to highlight only
the best angles, posts that showcase exciting moments while ignoring ordinary ones, and
carefully chosen words to attract approval. This version of identity may not be entirely
false, but it is certainly incomplete. The danger lies in believing that the online self is the
whole truth. When we compare ourselves to others’ online identities, we may feel
inadequate, forgetting that what we see is only a highlight reel rather than an authentic life
story.
At home, identity takes on a different form. Surrounded by family, people often reveal
aspects of themselves that never appear online or in public. A teenager who seems
confident on Instagram might be shy or withdrawn at the dinner table. Parents, siblings, and
relatives see not only achievements but also vulnerabilities, mistakes, and emotions. This
private identity is often more authentic, because it includes both strengths and weaknesses.
However, even at home, people sometimes play roles expected of them: the 'responsible'
child, the 'quiet' sibling, or the 'rebellious' teenager. Authenticity, therefore, is never
absolute.
In public spaces — whether at school, university, or work — identity is shaped by social
rules and expectations. Students may act more disciplined in the classroom than at home,
while professionals may dress and speak in ways that fit the workplace culture. These
public identities are not necessarily false; rather, they reflect the need to adapt to different
environments. Yet the more pressure society places on conformity, the more individuals
may feel disconnected from their authentic selves.
So, are these multiple identities authentic? The answer is complicated. Each version
contains elements of truth but highlights certain aspects while hiding others. Authenticity
does not mean showing every part of oneself in every situation; it means remaining
consistent with one’s values across different contexts. If a person is kind online, respectful
at work, and caring at home, then those identities are authentic, even if they appear in
different forms.
Ultimately, having multiple identities influences how we see ourselves and others by
reminding us that identity is fluid, not fixed. Rather than accusing people of being 'fake' for
showing different sides of themselves, we might recognize that this flexibility is part of
being human. What matters most is not whether every identity looks the same, but whether
each one reflects something genuine about who we are.
Word count: 562
Model Blog Post
Why We’re All Living Double (or Triple) Lives
Let’s be honest: none of us has just one identity anymore. There’s the version of us that
shows up in public — neat, polite, maybe even a bit boring. Then there’s the version that
comes out at home, with messy hair, strange habits, and arguments over chores. And of
course, there’s the carefully edited version that lives online, the one smiling in group selfies
or posting about achievements while quietly ignoring bad days. The question is, are these
versions really us? Or are we just pretending all the time?
Take social media. When I scroll through my feed, I see people’s 'best lives': trips abroad,
perfect photos, inspirational quotes. Rarely do I see the late-night study sessions, the family
arguments, or the mornings when nothing goes right. I’m guilty of the same thing. When I
post, I want likes, not pity. Does that mean my online self is fake? Not exactly. It’s still me —
but it’s a polished, one-dimensional version. The risk is forgetting that everyone else is
doing the same thing. That’s when comparison becomes dangerous.
At home, the story is different. Here, identity tends to feel more real — but even then, it
depends on the role we play. Around family, I’m the 'responsible' one, the person who gets
asked to help with homework or chores. That’s part of who I am, but it’s not the whole
story. Sometimes I want to be silly or careless, but the family role doesn’t always allow it. So
even the 'home me' is a version shaped by expectations.
Then there’s the public identity — at school, at work, or in the community. Here, most of us
wear masks to some extent. We dress neatly, we follow rules, we act more confident than
we feel. That doesn’t make us fake; it just makes us adaptable. Society wouldn’t function if
everyone acted exactly as they do in private. Imagine a teacher grading homework while
also singing loudly in the kitchen — it just wouldn’t work. Public identities are necessary,
but they can also feel restrictive.
So, are these multiple selves authentic? I think the answer depends on how we define
authenticity. If being authentic means 'showing every single side of yourself at all times,'
then none of us is authentic. But if it means staying true to core values — kindness, honesty,
respect — then we can be authentic in all our identities, even if they look different.
In the end, having multiple identities doesn’t make us liars; it makes us human. Identity is
flexible. It shifts depending on who we’re with and where we are. Instead of worrying about
being the exact same person everywhere, maybe we should ask a simpler question: Am I
being true to what I care about? If the answer is yes, then all those identities — online, at
home, and in public — are just different shades of the same self.
Word count: 547