Lesson 7: External Dimensions of Self

The aspect of self shaped by possessions, financial resources, and access to opportunities, influencing identity, aspirations, and sense of worth.

What is the material/economic self?

Tangible possessions like laptops, smartphones, coding tools, and workspace setup reflect tech identity and can boost confidence.

How does the material side influence identity?

Owning a high-spec laptop makes a BSIT student feel prepared for industry work and confident in coding.

Example of material self influencing identity?

Family financial situation affects access to certifications, internet, internships, career choices, and overall perceived potential.

How does the economic side influence identity?

A student from a low-income family uses free Wi-Fi and secondhand devices but develops resourcefulness and aims for stable IT work.

Example of economic self influencing identity?

Shapes self-esteem, career specialization, and presentation in interviews or online portfolios.

Impacts of material/economic self?

Praying before exams, believing in karma during collaboration, or joining church tech teams for livestreams.

Examples of spiritual practices?

Guides ethical behavior (e.g., avoiding plagiarism), provides resilience during stress, and shapes long-term goals using IT for social good.

Impacts of the spiritual self?

A person’s views on governance, justice, rights, and civic duties, including engagement with social issues and institutions.

What is the political self?

Supporting data privacy laws, advocating internet access in rural areas, or participating in online digital rights forums.

Examples of political self expression?

Influences project choices, fosters responsible digital citizenship, and may guide a career in public service IT or policy-making.

Impacts of political self?

Online identity reflecting how a person presents, interacts, and expresses themselves in virtual spaces.

What is the digital self?

GitHub portfolios, LinkedIn profiles, Facebook or TikTok accounts, sharing tech tutorials, or joining coding communities.

Examples of digital self expression?

Shapes how peers, recruiters, and mentors perceive you, affects confidence, causes comparison anxiety, and may influence career direction.

Impacts of digital self?

Tangible items owned by an individual, e.g., clothing, gadgets, vehicles.

What are material possessions in the context of identity?

Serve as symbols of status, taste, and belonging; influence self-perception and how others perceive you.

Impacts of material possessions on identity?

Financial assets, income, and access to opportunities that shape life choices.

What are economic resources?

Shape access to education, healthcare, and social mobility; influence self-esteem and perceived agency.

Impacts of economic resources on identity?

Personal beliefs and practices related to meaning, purpose, and connection to the transcendent.

What is spirituality in identity?

Views on governance, justice, rights, and civic responsibilities.

What are political beliefs?

Online identity through social media, digital footprints, and virtual interactions.

What is digital presence?

Each dimension influences the others. For example, economic resources affect access to digital tools, which influence digital self; spirituality may guide ethical digital behavior; political awareness can shape online advocacy.

How are the material, economic, spiritual, political, and digital dimensions interconnected?

It helps learners reflect on values, decision-making, social behavior, and career aspirations in tech-driven society.

Why is understanding these interconnections important?