Constructing identity through narratives: Personal, social, and digital dimensions

Narratives have always been central to how humans make sense of themselves and the world around them. It is a key mechanism through which identity is shaped, negotiated, and performed, across personal, social, and digital contexts. This study explores how narratives shape both individual and collective identities through storytelling, social interactions, and digital engagement, drawing from interdisciplinary research in philosophy, linguistics, and translation studies. Special focus is given to online narratives on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, where identity is continuously negotiated. These platforms serve as dynamic arenas where individuals not only narrate themselves but also engage actively in shaping and renegotiating their identity through their stories, actions, and interactions. The study addresses the methodological challenges of analyzing fragmented digital narratives and calls for further research into their structure and impact. By synthesizing recent scholarship, it emphasizes the central role of narratives, personally and collectively, in identity formation, both online and offline.