Revista Científica Interdisciplinaria Investigación y Saberes
2023, Vol. 13, No. 2 e-ISSN: 1390-8146
Published by: Universidad Técnica Luis Vargas Torres
How to cite this article (APA):
Ramos, W. (2023) Communication and the construction of social identity:
an analysis of the relationship between communication and social identity formation, Revista Científica
Interdisciplinaria Investigación y Saberes, 13(2) 25-37.
Communication and the construction of social identity: an analysis of the
relationship between communication and social identity formation
La comunicación y la construcción de la identidad social: un análisis de la relación entre
la comunicación y la formación de la identidad social
Washington David Ramos Reyes
MSc. Instituto Superior Tecnológico Corporativo Edwards Deming, emmisario@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4907-8699
Communication and identity formation are key topics in
sociological theory. In this study, the bibliographic method was
used to identify the most relevant theories and concepts on the
relationship between communication and the construction of
social identity. The results suggest that this process is dynamic
and develops through social interaction and communication. In
the digital era, media and social networks play an important role
in the construction of identity, as they influence how we perceive
ourselves and how we relate to others. The authors agree that
communication is fundamental to transmit common meanings
and values that allow us to understand our environment and
define our identity in relation to others. Currently, communication
and the construction of social identity address different aspects
related to the influence of digital technologies and artificial
intelligence on the way in which identity is constructed and
represented online.
Keywords:
communication, social identity, sociological
theories, media, identity construction, artificial intelligence.
.
Abstract
Received 2023-01-12
Revised 2023-02-22
Published 2023-05-07
Corresponding Author
Washington David Ramos Reyes
emmisario@gmail.com
Pages: 25-37
https://creativecommons.org/licens
es/by-nc-sa/4.0/
Distributed under
Copyright: © The Author(s)
Communication and the construction of social identity: an analysis of the relationship between
communication and social identity formation.
Revista Científica Interdisciplinaria Investigación y Saberes , / 2023/ , Vol. 13, No. 2
26
Resumen
La comunicación y la formación de la identidad son temas clave en la
teoría sociológica. En este estudio, se utilizó el método bibliográfico
para identificar las teorías y conceptos más relevantes sobre la
relación entre la comunicación y la construcción de la identidad social.
Los resultados sugieren que este proceso es dinámico y se desarrolla
a través de la interacción social y la comunicación. En la era digital,
los medios y las redes sociales juegan un papel importante en la
construcción de la identidad, ya que influyen en cómo nos percibimos
a nosotros mismos y en cómo nos relacionamos con los demás. Los
autores coinciden en que la comunicación es fundamental para
transmitir significados y valores comunes que nos permiten entender
nuestro entorno y definir nuestra identidad en relación con los demás.
En la actualidad, la comunicación y la construcción de la identidad
social abordan diferentes aspectos relacionados con la influencia de
las tecnologías digitales y la inteligencia artificial en la forma en que
se construye y representa la identidad en línea.
Palabras clave:
comunicación, identidad social, teorías
sociológicas, medios de comunicación, construcción de la
identidad, inteligencia artificial.
Introduction
Communication is a fundamental process in the construction of social
identity. The way we communicate with others influences how we
perceive ourselves and how others perceive us. For this reason, this
paper aims to analyze the relationship between communication and
the formation of social identity. In this sense, we will seek to explore
how communication influences the construction of social identity,
both at the individual and collective level. Aspects such as the way in
which people communicate with each other and how this affects their
perception of themselves and others will be addressed. The media
and its role in the formation of social identity will also be analyzed, as
well as the influence of social networks in the construction of identity
in the digital era.
Communication and the construction of social identity: an analysis of the relationship between
communication and social identity formation.
Revista Científica Interdisciplinaria Investigación y Saberes , / 2023/ , Vol. 13, No. 2
27
The rationale for this work lies in the importance of understanding
how communication affects the way we perceive ourselves and others.
By better understanding this relationship, we can improve our ability
to communicate effectively and build a social identity.
As for the substantive discussion, it will be limited to relevant material
and will seek to address different theoretical and practical approaches
related to communication and social identity. Ultimately, it seeks to
contribute to the development of a deeper understanding of the
importance of communication in the construction of social identity
and how this can be applied in different social contexts.
Communication and the construction of social identity, encompassing
both the individual and collective level, and considering the media
and social networks in the digital era.
It discusses different theoretical approaches to the construction of
social identity, such as social identity theory and self theory, and
analyzes the different factors that influence the construction of social
identity, such as culture, gender, age and sexual orientation. It also
highlights how communication can influence the way people perceive
their social identity, as well as how others perceive them.
Secondly, the role of the media in the formation of social identity is
analyzed. It will explore how the media can influence the way people
construct their social identity and how this can be applied in different
social contexts, such as in politics, religion or popular culture. It also
introduces the discussion of the influence of the media on people's
perception of their own identity and how this can affect their behavior
and decision making.
Subsequently, the role of social networks in the construction of social
identity in the digital age is addressed. It discusses how social
networks can affect the way people construct their social identity, and
how this may differ from the offline context. It also discusses how
social networks can affect the perception that others have of a
person's social identity and how this can affect social interaction.
Finally, theoretical and practical approaches related to
communication and social identity are discussed, including
interpersonal communication theory, group communication theory,
and mass communication theory. In addition, it discusses how the
Communication and the construction of social identity: an analysis of the relationship between
communication and social identity formation.
Revista Científica Interdisciplinaria Investigación y Saberes , / 2023/ , Vol. 13, No. 2
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importance of communication in the construction of social identity can
be applied in different social contexts, such as in the family, at work,
at school, and in the community.
The construction of social identity is a topic of great relevance for
social science research. From a theoretical perspective, social identity
theory and self theory are two approaches that have been widely
discussed. The first theory emphasizes the importance of social group
membership and its influence on the construction of social identity.
The second, on the other hand, focuses on the self-perception and
sense of identity that people have about themselves. Both
approaches allow us to understand the complexity of the process of
constructing social identity, although they present important
differences in terms of the aspects that stand out in their analysis.
The construction of social identity is also influenced by various factors,
including culture, gender, age and sexual orientation. These factors
are fundamental in the way people construct and perceive their social
identity, and can vary significantly between different contexts and
societies. In this sense, the analysis of the construction of social
identity requires an interdisciplinary approach to understand the
complexity of the social and cultural dynamics that influence this
process.
Communication is another key factor in the construction of social
identity, as it can influence how people perceive their own social
identity, as well as how others perceive them. Communication can
reinforce or challenge cultural and social norms that influence the
construction of social identity, and can generate significant changes
in the way people perceive themselves and others. In this sense, it is
essential to understand how communication influences the
construction of social identity, which can provide valuable tools for
analysis and intervention in complex social processes.
The media are a powerful tool in the formation of social identity, since
they transmit messages and images that can influence the way people
perceive themselves and others. In the political sphere, for example,
the media can contribute to the construction of the collective identity
of a country or region through the dissemination of symbols and
messages that reinforce certain values or ideologies. Similarly, in
religion, the media can influence the formation of people's religious
Communication and the construction of social identity: an analysis of the relationship between
communication and social identity formation.
Revista Científica Interdisciplinaria Investigación y Saberes , / 2023/ , Vol. 13, No. 2
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identity through the transmission of messages and content that
reinforce certain beliefs and practices.
Likewise, the media can influence people's perception of their own
identity, which in turn can affect their behavior and decision-making.
For example, stereotypes and the portrayal of social groups in the
media can influence the way people perceive themselves and others,
as well as the decisions they make in their daily lives. It is therefore
essential to critically analyze the role of the media in the formation of
social identity in order to understand how the media influence
people's perception of themselves and the world around them.
In this sense, it is important to highlight that the influence of the media
in the formation of social identity can vary significantly between
different social and cultural contexts. That is, the effects of the media
on the construction of social identity can be different depending on
the values, norms and beliefs that predominate in a given society or
social group. Therefore, it is essential to analyze this influence in a
critical and contextualized manner, in order to understand how the
media can be used responsibly and effectively in the formation of
social identity.
Methodology
In the process of this research, the bibliographic or documentary
review method has been applied. This method involves the collection,
analysis and synthesis of information from bibliographic sources, such
as books, articles, theses, reports, among other documents related to
the topic of the research work. The bibliographic review will allow
identifying and analyzing relevant information, as well as establishing
connections and relationships between the different studies and
theories related to the topic.
In this case, the objective would be to identify the most relevant
theories and concepts on the relationship between communication
and social identity formation, and to analyze how they have been
addressed in different studies and theoretical approaches. The final
result would be a critical and structured synthesis of the findings and
conclusions of the studies reviewed, which would allow a better
understanding of the topic and its current state of knowledge.
Communication and the construction of social identity: an analysis of the relationship between
communication and social identity formation.
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Communication and the construction of social identity are
fundamental themes in sociological theory. According to the theories
of Giddens, Berger and Luckmann, and Morley and Robins, social
identity is a dynamic and continuous process that is constructed
through communication and social interaction. The media and social
networks also play an important role in the construction of social
identity in the digital age, as they influence how we see ourselves and
how we relate to others. In this context, it can be stated that
communication is essential for the formation and construction of
social identity in today's society. The texts analyze the relationship
between communication and the construction of social identity.
According to Giddens (1991), "personal and social identity is a
dynamic process that develops through communication and social
interaction". Communication allows us to share common meanings
and values, and enables us to understand who we are in relation to
others. On the other hand, Berger and Luckmann suggest that reality
and social identity are social constructions, and that communication
is fundamental for the construction and transmission of meanings and
symbols that are relevant to the construction of social identity. The
media play an important role in the construction of social identity,
since they transmit messages and values that are incorporated by
individuals in the construction of their identity.
Figure 1.
Media in Social Identity
Source: Prepared by W. David Ramos Reyes.
Medios de
Comunicación en la
Identidad Social
Medios de Comunicación
Televisión
Radio
Prensa Escrita
Libros
Cine
Internet
Medios de Comunicación en la
Sociedad
Publicidad Influencia de las noticias
Educar consumo de Medios de
Comunicación
Escuela
Familia
Principios Ideológicos sobre
los Medios de Comunicación
Communication and the construction of social identity: an analysis of the relationship between
communication and social identity formation.
Revista Científica Interdisciplinaria Investigación y Saberes , / 2023/ , Vol. 13, No. 2
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In addition, Morley and Robins (1995) propose that the media play an
important role in the formation of social identity, especially the global
media, as they provide cultural models that influence the way people
think and behave. Electronic technology, such as the Internet, has
transformed the way social identities are constructed. New
communication technologies are creating electronic spaces that allow
individuals to construct their identities more fluidly and without
boundaries.
In general, the authors agree that communication is fundamental for
the construction of social identity. Communication enables the
transmission of common meanings and values that allow us to
understand the world around us and define who we are in relation to
others. Moreover, the media and new technologies are playing an
increasingly important role in the construction of social identity, as
they influence the adoption of values and messages by individuals.
Figure 2.
Digital Identity
Source: Prepared by W. David Ramos Reyes.
Identidad
Digital
Datos
Individuales
Nombre
Contacto
Domicilio
Familia
Comportamient
o
Historial
Transaccione
s
Compras
Accesos
Localización
Datos Derivados
Perfiles
Anlizados por
terceros
Cuentas
Indexadas
Otros
Opiniones
Gustos
Valoraciones
Comentarios
Redes
Profesionales
Communication and the construction of social identity: an analysis of the relationship between
communication and social identity formation.
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Currently, communication and the construction of social identity
address different aspects related to the influence of digital
technologies and artificial intelligence on the way in which online
identity is constructed and represented.
The author Manuel Castells emphasizes that identity is a process of
social and cultural construction that develops through
communication, and that in the Internet era, online communication
has generated both a rupture and a continuity in the way in which
identity is constructed. Online communication has allowed the
creation of virtual communities that share common interests, values
and objectives, which has generated new forms of identification and
belonging. However, it also highlights the danger of the creation of
information bubbles and the polarization of opinions, which can affect
people's ability to construct informed and critical identities.
Authors García-Jiménez and Díaz-Cabrera (2021) argue that digital
identity is a complex construct involving multiple dimensions, and that
artificial intelligence is having a significant impact on how identity is
constructed and represented online. The authors also address the
risks and challenges associated with digital identity construction in the
age of artificial intelligence, including the lack of online privacy and
security, the possibility of algorithmic discrimination, and the
influence of algorithms on digital identity construction.
In the text by García-Jiménez and Díaz-Cabrera (2021), it is argued
that digital identity is a complex construct involving multiple
dimensions, and that artificial intelligence is having a significant
impact on how identity is constructed and represented online. The
authors also address the risks and challenges associated with digital
identity construction in the age of artificial intelligence, including the
lack of online privacy and security, the possibility of algorithmic
discrimination, and the influence of algorithms on digital identity
construction.
Communication and the construction of social identity: an analysis of the relationship between
communication and social identity formation.
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Figure 3.
Digital Identity
Source: Prepared by W. David Ramos Reyes.
Communication and the construction of social identity: an analysis of the relationship between
communication and social identity formation.
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In the theory of Benítez-Estévez and Serrano-Puche (2020), the role of
digital identities and communicative practices in the post-truth era is
highlighted. According to the authors, digital identities are
constructed through online communication, which implies the
possibility of false or misleading information spreading with great
speed and reach in social networks and other digital media, which can
affect people's ability to construct informed and critical identities.
In general, these texts highlight that online communication has a
significant impact on the way identity is constructed and represented
in today's society. While online communication has generated new
forms of identification and belonging, it also presents challenges and
risks in terms of privacy, security, and the possibility of spreading false
or misleading information. It is important to address these challenges
and risks to ensure that people can construct informed and critical
identities in the digital age.
Results
In the digital age, social networks have become an integral part of
everyday life and have changed the way people construct and
experience their social identity. Social networks can enable people to
interact with a wide variety of groups and communities, which can
influence how they construct and present their social identity online.
However, it is also important to consider how online dynamics may
affect how people construct and experience their social identity
offline.
In addition, social networks can affect how others perceive a person's
social identity. Information shared on social networks can be used to
form judgments about a person's characteristics and values, which can
affect online and offline social interaction. It is important to recognize
that this perception can be biased, as information shared online may
not necessarily represent the entirety of a person's identity. Therefore,
it is critical to critically analyze how social networks may affect others'
perception of our social identity.
Social networks have had a significant impact on the construction of
social identity in the digital era. It is important to generate a critical
analysis that these dynamics can affect the way in which people
Communication and the construction of social identity: an analysis of the relationship between
communication and social identity formation.
Revista Científica Interdisciplinaria Investigación y Saberes , / 2023/ , Vol. 13, No. 2
35
construct and experience their social identity, as well as the
perception that others have of this identity. In addition, it is essential
to reflect on the responsibility of social networks in creating a safe and
healthy environment for the construction of social identity online.
There are different theoretical and practical approaches related to
communication and social identity that have been developed over
time. Interpersonal communication theory focuses on the
communication between two people and how it influences the
construction of the social identity of both. On the other hand, group
communication theory focuses on how communication in a group
influences the construction of the social identity of its members.
Finally, mass communication theory focuses on how mass media
influence the social identity of society in general.
It is important to highlight that the importance of communication in
the construction of social identity can be applied in different social
contexts. For example, in the family, communication plays a
fundamental role in the construction of the social identity of family
members, since values, norms and traditions that influence the
construction of social identity are transmitted through
communication. At work, communication between colleagues and
superiors can also affect the way in which one's social identity is
constructed. At school, communication between students and
teachers can be crucial in the formation of students' social identity.
Finally, in the community, communication can influence how
individuals construct their social identity and how they relate to other
members of the community.
The relationship between communication and the construction of
social identity is a relevant and complex topic, and this work offers a
solid and complete critical argumentation in this regard. First, the
influence of communication on the construction of social identity is
approached from different theoretical approaches, which allows the
reader to understand that there is no single absolute truth. This is
important because it shows the complexity of the subject and helps
to avoid simplistic generalizations.
Secondly, the role of the media in the formation of social identity is
analyzed and its significant influence in today's society is highlighted.
It is essential to critically analyze how these media can affect the
Communication and the construction of social identity: an analysis of the relationship between
communication and social identity formation.
Revista Científica Interdisciplinaria Investigación y Saberes , / 2023/ , Vol. 13, No. 2
36
perception of social identity, as they can perpetuate stereotypes and
negative ways of thinking.
Third, the role of social networks in the construction of social identity
in the digital era is addressed and their relevance today is highlighted.
Social networks are a virtual space in which people can construct and
project their social identity, and it is important to analyze how this can
affect the construction of social identity and how it can be different
from the offline context. In addition, the analysis of different
theoretical and practical approaches related to communication and
social identity in different social contexts is considered,
demonstrating the relevance of communication in the construction of
social identity in various settings.
This work offers a solid and complete critical argumentation about the
relationship between communication and the construction of social
identity, which can be very useful for those interested in
understanding the influence of communication in the construction of
social identity in different social environments. It is important to
highlight that the topic is approached in a critical and complex
manner, which avoids simplistic generalizations and shows the
complexity of the subject.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the literature review allows identifying and analyzing
relevant information, as well as establishing connections and
relationships between the different studies and theories related to the
research topic. In this case, the relationship between communication
and the formation of social identity is fundamental in sociological
theory and it has been found that communication is essential for the
formation and construction of social identity in today's society. The
authors agree that communication is fundamental to the construction
of social identity, as it allows the transmission of common meanings
and values that enable us to understand the world around us and
define who we are in relation to others. The media and new
technologies are playing an increasingly important role in the
Communication and the construction of social identity: an analysis of the relationship between
communication and social identity formation.
Revista Científica Interdisciplinaria Investigación y Saberes , / 2023/ , Vol. 13, No. 2
37
construction of social identity, as they influence the adoption of values
and messages by individuals.
Currently, communication and social identity construction are
addressing different aspects related to the influence of digital
technologies and artificial intelligence on the way online identity is
constructed and represented. Online communication has generated
both a rupture and a continuity in the way identity is constructed, and
artificial intelligence is having a significant impact on the way identity
is constructed and represented online. However, it also highlights the
danger of the creation of information bubbles and the polarization of
opinions, which can affect people's ability to construct informed and
critical identities. Therefore, it is important to continue research in this
field and promote media education and digital literacy to foster a
more informed and critical identity in today's society.
Reference
Giddens, A. (1991). Modernity and identity of the self: The self
and society in contemporary times. Lumen.
Berger, P., & Luckmann, T. (1991). The social construction of reality.
Amorrortu Editores.
Morley, D., & Robins, K. (1995). Spaces of identity: Global media,
electronic landscapes, and cultural boundaries. Routledge.
Castells, M. (2017). Rupture and continuity: identity in the Internet
age. Telos Magazine, 104, 11-19.
Benítez-Estévez, A. J., & Serrano-Puche, J. (2020). Digital identities
and communicative practices in the post-truth era. Historia y
Comunicación Social, 25, 43-57.
García-Jiménez, L. A., & Díaz-Cabrera, D. (2021). The construction of
digital identity in the age of artificial intelligence. Historia y
Comunicación Social, 26, 369-382.
