The paper examines the diverse ways of self-definition of individuals in a changing reality, which is attributed to a hybrid and ambiguous character. The emphasis is on identity discourse in the individual dimension. While questioning the possibility of clearly defining the Self in the world of diverse relations and ambiguous social reality, a dilemma arises: one identity or many identities? It should be pointed out here that there is a transition from identity as a complex and dynamic attribute (aspect) of the individual to the multiplicity of individual identities as a variety of its identifications with the objects of the social world. More radically, doubts can be raised here about the usefulness of the category of identity. Behind such thinking are not merely methodological difficulties in recognizing the different dimensions and contexts in which the individual defines his or her identity or identities. It is certainly possible to speak here of a different meaning attributed to the category of identity, especially in its theoretical-cognitive sense. The consequence of this is also the different meaning that is attributed to the utility of this category, i.e. its instrumental use for the self-determination of individuals. The stronger the adherence to the terminology of modernity, the stronger the indication of a possible and fully conscious (reflexive) project that identity may become for the constructively acting individual. Departure from modern nomenclature complicates the issues of defining identity itself, and thus also does not make the task easier in the sphere of social practice and does not provide easy utilitarian solutions. Moreover, the difficulties concern not only what individual identity is (or could be) in the functional sense, but also its very structure and the fundamental question of its durability (or at least relative stability) in the context of individualization.