why do people get tattoos?

Sociologically it's literally a way to make sure you are not unnoticed. In times where a lot of people are ignored, you see the tattoo culture gain momentum.

It's also why poor people, people who are ignored regularly, have more tattoos, to make sure their story is told, even if it's in pictures on their body.

Which reaches back to the origins of course, traditionally Tattoos were used by Sailors, and Warriors, to make sure they could be identified after death, Sailors are dealing with the problem that when you die in water, you won't look like you, so your tattoos literally needed to tell people who you were, or you weren't going to be identified.

The same goes for Warriors, if you get 'chopped up' on the battlefield, your tattoos will allow your family to identify, and burry you.

Lately we've seen something like that comeback, people with Epilepsy, and Diabetes have been getting tattoos saying Epilepsy, or Diabetes(large, and very readable, on their wrists/fore-arms), to make sure they're not seen as 'strung out junkies', but that they get help when they crash in public.

Basically tattoos are exactly what they seem, they tell the story, especially for people that are usually unheared.

People get tattoos for all kinds of reasons. My mother got tattoos of stars to represent each of the children she had. Each star represents a child. So some people get tattoos for reasons like that, to symbolize some sort of deep meaning in their life. Some people get the names of their significant others, or of a dead relative, tattooed on them. I personally think that's absolutely beautiful, though I don't think I would ever do it myself (partly due to the pain, and partly due to the fact I don't want any sort of permanent modification done to my body. I got my ears pierced but that's as far as it goes).

Some people get tattoos as symbols. For example, a girl who has been in a controlling relationship, or had a very domineering parent, might get a bird spreading its wings tattooed on her, to symbolize her freedom. Some people are big on symbolism and think a tattoo is the best way to make deep statements about themselves. A person who has gone through a very traumatic experience, and come out of it stronger, might get a tattoo to symbolize that. It's a reminder to them of who they are, what they've accomplished, what they've overcome etc.

On a similar note, a person might get a tattoo to make this sort of statement to others, rather than just to themselves.

Some people get tattoos just because they are pretty or fashionable. Some people may choose a design they like and decide to get it tattooed on them for no special reason, other than they like it, or their friend has one, or it's the fashion where they live.

There are all sorts of reasons, but those are the main ones I could think of.

Depends on the person and the tattoo. Personally, I think contemporary tattoos in western civilization are just so much graffiti, particularly on women. It is like painting a smiley face on the Mona Lisa. Why would a woman deface the masterpiece that is her body?

I googled it but expressing individuality and reminding self about values and individuality can be done through behavior, hobbies and on paper or even cellphone. why do people get tattoos then?

Because we like them. I think tattoos are incredibly sexy and a good way to express yourself. Why do you care - honestly?

Many, many reasons, for which I don't have the time to list. Some for art's sake, others to look tough, others for self mutilation etc.

It is a native tradition and mainly done for religious purposes but also to get attention

People get them for lots of reasons. For me, it was self expressing how I feel about certain things.

it is like having an identity. self-expression of who they are,and the want to feel that feeling that you leave a mark to those who see them. i don,t have tattoo, but i would love to have one

To seem cool or to express yourself through body art...