These so-called “identity wars” aren’t just abstract debates; they shape how people perceive one another, often turning neighbors into adversaries. In the U.S., for example, identity has become a central battleground in what many call the “culture wars.” Issues around race, gender, and sexuality have been politicized to the point where some groups feel their very existence is under threat, while others feel their traditional values are being erased2. This dynamic often leads to what scholars call status threat—the fear that gains by one group mean losses for another. Online, this gets amplified. Algorithms reward outrage, and bad actors exploit identity divisions to sow discord. What starts as a disagreement over policy can quickly spiral into dehumanization and distrust. But here’s the hopeful part: identity doesn’t have to divide. It can also be a source of connection, empathy, and shared purpose. The challenge is creating spaces—online and off—where people can engage across differences without defaulting to fear or hostility.