The conditions and levels of functioning of the binary opposition “self - other” in the context of cultural interactions and identity

The article is devoted to the study of the binary opposition “self - other” as a key category in the humanities, influencing the formation of cultural and social identity. This opposition has its roots in ancient worldviews and continues to play an important role in modern society, especially in the context of globalization and increasing intercultural interactions. The article analyzes how the categories of “self” and “other” structure social reality, form boundaries between groups, and influence individual and collective self-awareness. Particular attention is paid to the interdisciplinary approach to studying this issue. The article examines how the “self - other” opposition manifests itself in various cultural, historical, and social contexts, as well as how it adapts to changes caused by globalization, migration, and the development of media technologies. The research also touches on the role of media and communication technologies in strengthening or weakening this opposition, highlighting their dual nature: on the one hand, they can contribute to the blurring of boundaries between cultures; while on the other hand, they can reinforce stereotypes and create the image of the “other” as a threat.