Why do people label themselves? (ex: Emo, goth, scene, prep, punk etc)

Because it's human nature. I really find this 'I don't label! Antilabel!' trend going around to be put right silly. People label themselves for a reason, good or bad, you can't read their mind or decide for them. I just find it do funny that these 'anti label' folks can't seem to understand that people who label themselves ( like me. Goth for 4-5 years and proud) do it be aide it makes them HAPPY. they do it for themselves. Yes, younger kids do it to piss off their parents, but, believe it or not, there are A LOT of goths and punks who are 30+ years old and kicking.

Labeling serves no purpose. You just look stupid going around shouting your label.

So,they feel a part of something bigger than them

i don't get it...
I think i'd try to get people not to label ME. They go "you're emo" no no, quit telling me what you think i am -.-
Cutter, bi, lesbian, emo, goth, prep, freak, rocker..and then at my school..well, Idk. I guess if they're trying to be like the stereotypical whatever, they label themselves so not to seem like wannabes maybbe?

honestly i dnt get it. i fight against labels.

So...you jump on the 'antilabels!' bandwagon. You DON'T fight against labels, as much as you woyld like to believe so. Labeling is literally HARDWIRED in the human brain. Seriously, I have a psychologist for a friend, we have gone over this before. His advice? Get over it. Sure, it's annoying when other people label you, but it's going to happen anyway. A label is a way for you to define what things you like, and yes, you can define yourself by it, but you don't have to fit the niche perfectly. I'm goth, but I love pink and glitter, doesn't make me any less goth. I'm am otaku, but I hate a lot of anime. Still an otaku. Besides, goth, emo, punk, act, are subcultures. No different than chess club or anime club. It's a way for people tp show they have similar interests and get together.

i hate people who asume im a certain way, label me. They'll always label me, i guess, but what they tend to label me has negative connotations and so...well ur right. Which i knew. I don't know how to explain myself, but people never stop judging, comparing themselves to others, and trying to come out on top. It give them purpose to their life--what does it matter what they do if it's not better than someone else?

They all want to stand out. They want to be different.

Because the human mind is only able to process so much from a first encounter. Such as looks and because people notice how they look they may try to do the same, resulting in what that other person was calling themselves. By labeling themselves they seem to get the satisfaction of finding little friend "groups." People who look like you tend to label themselves likewise and the reasoning being is because people like that certain style and find people who do the same thing.

No, because we LIKE it. Do you think me, as a goth, is doing it so people like YOU can tell me I want more attention? Well let me tell you, I don't. I'm stage fright. I faint easy. I can't give speeches in front of people worth a damn. Yet I'm still goth. Why? Because, and here is where you 'labels are stupid, they only do it for attention' people will get a shock. I do it....because I LIKE it! LA GASP!! SOMEONE WHO ACTUALLY LIKES WEARING ALL BLACK AND PICNICING IN CEMETARIES AND GOING TO GOTH CLUBS BECAUSE THEY LIKE IT AND DON'T JUST WANT TO BE DIFFERENT?! IMPOSSIBLE! do you guys have any idea how stupid you all sound with this bull? You can't read people's minds. You can't decide why they do this or that.

mfeel it is better to beat other people to it, since more often than not it is other people who do the labeling, often quite inaccurately!

So they can feel like they are a part of a group. It gives them a sense of belonging.

it gives them a sense of belonging

Rapid mental image ;)

We as a Society need those labels to tell the world what we're about and what we stand for duh..

I thought that was identified by actions, not a label.

Ima successful gangsta.. new thing I kinda got going on myself.. basically baggy South Pole jeans, sneakers, dress jackets and T-shirts.. occasionally necklaces too

Herd mentality describes how people are influenced by their peers to adopt certain behaviors, follow trends, and/or purchase items. Examples of the herd mentality include stock market trends, fashions in apparel, cars, taste in music, home décor, etc. Social psychologists study the related topics of group intelligence, crowd wisdom, and decentralized decision making.

Makes them feel better to not feel like they're nothing like those they "looked down on". And its like they "belong" in something special. -shrug- idk I label myself badass because thats exactly what I am >:) lol

There's nothing wrong with labels, i mean why do you think they label "Caution Slippery when wet" your label tells me I should not piss you off at a party cuz you may just kick my scronny ass :p

maybe :P but labels are just a way of separating us from each other and letting the world know that we're all different and run different lanes here. my lane requires a few different things to get pissed off at a party XP

It's easier to think you control your world if you can identify it.

i dont label myself i am just me im not emo goth popular

Tribalism is the natural human social order. It hasn't gone away.

So that Christians aren't mistaken for Atheists.
And so that people that like pop don't end up mingling with metalheads like me.
It's to separate groups. It's so that the 'cool' kids can taunt the 'geek' kids about being geeks.
I guess.

Because then people start making up labels for you when you wear stand-out-ish clothing...they don't understand...I'm not try to be anybody....those clothes have aesthetic appeal to me...

Sure you don't. You're just different like all of your friends.

I have two friends...one of them doesn't like my style...

Because they want to fit in somewhere, or don't want to fit in other places. I label myself as an outcast x3

People like to identify with something... and, it can be an easy way to describe some of your overall characteristics. Look around, we put labels on everyone and everything.

I label myself awesome!

Well that just comes naturally for you!

I like that, lol

because many people naturally feel the need to belong to a group.

Because I enjoy being a nerd :)

no idea every one is human

they're stupid