Individual

Meme

One human being, typically a live one.

The word comes from Medieval Latin individualis, which originates from Latin individuus, meaning "indivisible". The root individuus is formed from in- ("not") + dividuus ("divisible"), which itself comes from dividere ("to divide") By the 17th century, it evolved to mean "single, separate, or distinct", and by the 19th century, it was commonly used to describe a person as a unique entity.

Context

Individuals are each an Entity in the context of Identifier Management. More generally an Individual is a distinguishable object with an Identifier that is, hopefully unique, at least within the context of some fully formed Digital Public Infrastructure.

Problems

One member of a society. A lone individual cannot be considered to be human in the common meaning of that word.

Our history is replete with Individuals who feel that they can stand apart from nature and the reset of mankind. Individuals who challenged conventions, separated themselves from mainstream thought, and contributed groundbreaking ideas—think scientists, philosophers, and revolutionaries. Many of them helped humanity progress by questioning the status quo, leading to advancements in knowledge, technology, and social justice. However, if "standing apart" means rejecting interconnectedness and responsibility to others, it could lead to isolation or even harm. Humans thrive in cooperation with nature and society, and completely disregarding those relationships will have consequences. No matter how much we have extolled the dominate male throughout history, the dominance model makes for miserable people, miserable relationships and miserable societies.

Solutions

Historically, societies have upheld the dominance model, often favoring hierarchical structures where power is concentrated—whether in leadership, business, or interpersonal dynamics. The internet, mirroring these dynamics, sometimes amplifies the worst aspects of dominance-based interactions: toxic discourse, algorithmic reinforcement of aggressive behavior, and a lack of genuine, empathetic engagement.

When dominance is the primary mode of interaction—rather than collaboration, mutual respect, or shared power—it creates disconnection. In personal relationships, it leads to unhealthy dynamics; in society, it fosters division rather than cooperation. The irony is that the internet has the potential to connect people across the globe, yet when it operates on a dominance model, it often does the opposite—turning it into a battlefield rather than a meeting place.

We must all work to create a Digital Public Infrastructure that can reshape the internet toward healthier engagement. Some platforms and movements actively push for better online interaction models, but it is an uphill battle.