Learning Digital Identity

Chapter 5. Relationships and Identity

We typically don’t think of it this way, but every interaction we have in the physical world, no matter for what purpose or how short, sets up a relationship. So too in the digital world, although our tools for creating and managing them have been sorely lacking.

One of my favorite scenarios for thinking about identity is meeting a friend for lunch:

You arrive at the restaurant on time and your friend is nowhere to be found. You go to the host to inquire about the reservation. She tells you that your reservation is correct, and your friend is already there. She escorts you to the table, where you greet your friend. The host seats you and leaves you with a menu. Within a few moments, the server arrives to take your order. You ask a few questions about different dishes. You both settle on your order and the server leaves to communicate with the kitchen. You happily settle in to chat with your friend while your food is being prepared. Later you might get a refill on a drink or order dessert. Eventually you pay with a credit card.

While you, your friend, the host, and the server recognized, remembered, and interacted with other people, places, and things countless times during this scenario, at no time were you required to identify yourself as a particular person. Even paying with a credit card doesn’t require that. Credit cards say something about you: what you are rather than who you are. And while it does show your name and that you have ...