ABSTRACT
The cyber-physical self is at the intersection between reality and identity. Within the ideological framework of contextual awareness, it is the interfacing between the cyber self and the connected ecosystem of objects, spaces and people that facilitate self-realization. The cyber self will extend this sense of freedom as the virtual world enables new dimensions of behaviour where values and desires may be pursued risk-free. Being more conservative and competitive in nature, people use digital media as a means to become more self-reliant. Social networks enable Gen Z with a medium in which to gain social proof; however, ephemeral content mutes their development as it provides them anonymity. As a hyper-connected and self-learning demographic, the digital native uses technology as an on-demand strategy to mitigate the unknown and learn on the spot. Specifically, the virtual and physical self will enable complete self-optimization ranging across an individual's spectrum of development in order to enhance identity.
